Damen releases details of new Combi Freighter 5000 ICE
The CF 5000 ICE is the first in a new series of ice-class cargo vessels
(Source: Damen)
Damen Shipyards Group has chosen the Europort exhibition in Rotterdam last week to release details of its latest ice-class cargo vessel. The Combi Freighter (CF) 5000 ICE is based on the earlier CF 3850 but is slightly longer with a deeper draught to increase tonnage.
For maximum efficiency, the ship is designed with a hybrid PTO/PTI system for operation in ice. During normal operation, the vessel will run on a relatively small and efficient engine, but propulsive power can be boosted when necessary.
Meanwhile combining the PTO/PTI system with batteries enables peak shaving. The vessel can also operate entirely on electric propulsion for short periods – in port or in environmentally sensitive areas, for example. It will also be able to use low-emission biofuel and will have the foundation for a ventofoil in place to harness wind power in the future.
Complying with Swedish/Finnish Ice Class rules, the ship will have high-quality accommodation including a gym and sauna. With a robust winterisation package, it will be able to operate in temperatures down to -30ºC.
Commenting on the new design, Damen Cargo Vessels’ commercial director, Remko Bouma, explained: “Our aim has been to leverage the experience and the success we’ve enjoyed with our next generation cargo vessels to create a platform capable of economic ice navigation. The CF 5000 is equally at home in open water and in ice, maintaining both the optimal cargo capacity and high efficiency of the conventional vessel. As always, we have worked in close consultation with vessel operators, incorporating their input to create a practical, dependable vessel, suited to operations today and tomorrow.”
The shipbuilder is planning to start construction on the first CF 5000 ICE in time for delivery by mid-2027. In line with other CF vessels, it will be built in Asia.
