Ice Class Ship Offers Cost-Effective and Low-Emission Operations
Damen Shipyards Group has introduced its latest addition to the cargo vessel lineup. The Combi Freighter (CF) 5000 ICE was launched at the Europort 2025 event in Rotterdam. This new vessel marks the beginning of a new series designed for ice navigation.
Efficient on Water and Superior in Ice
Remko Bouma, Commercial Director of Damen Cargo Vessels, shares insights about the new design.
“Our goal has been to build on our success with next-generation cargo vessels to create a platform that is efficient in ice conditions. The CF 5000 performs well both in open water and ice, ensuring optimal cargo capacity and high efficiency, just like our traditional vessels. We’ve worked closely with operators to design a reliable and practical vessel for current and future operations.”
Improved Design
The CF 5000 ICE benefits from Damen’s experience with the CF 3850 vessels and the traditional CF 5000 models. The latest design optimizes the hull's length and draft to enhance the deadweight tonnage.
These modest adjustments have significantly increased cargo capacity. Damen plans to apply these improvements to the next generation of traditional CF 5000 vessels.
Designed for Cold Conditions
The CF 5000 ICE meets Swedish/Finnish Ice Class standards and adheres to the latest Finnish regulations. It includes comfortable accommodations with amenities like a sauna and gym. The vessel is equipped with a winterization package to operate in temperatures as low as -30 degrees Celsius.
Sustainable and Future-Ready
To maintain high efficiency while operating in ice, the power for the ice class operation is produced using a hybrid PTO/PTI system instead of relying solely on the main engine.
This system allows the vessel to run on a compact, highly efficient propulsion setup most of the time, with additional sustainable power only when necessary.
The vessel also includes options for battery installation and shore connectivity. Combining the hybrid system with battery power enables peak shaving and allows brief periods of full electric sailing, which is ideal for ports or sensitive ecological areas.
The CF 5000 ICE can also operate on low-emission biodiesel and is designed for wind-assisted propulsion, with a foundation for a ventofoil ready for quick implementation.
Moreover, the ship will utilize Damen’s connectivity solution, Triton. This award-winning IoT platform collects data from onboard sensors to provide crew and fleet managers with regular updates on system health and performance. Triton also streamlines maintenance by offering precise instructions to keep systems running optimally.
Ongoing Support
Damen plans to start building the first CF 5000 ICE soon, with completion expected by mid-2027, just in time for winter. Like all Damen CF vessels, this one will be built in Asia, ensuring cost-efficiency while adhering to Damen’s quality standards.
After delivery, Damen will continue to support its clients through the Damen Cargo Vessels aftersales and service team in the Netherlands. This team, consisting of experienced engineers and maritime service managers, maintains close relationships with clients to provide warranty care and prompt assistance when needed.