Damen Shipyards Group has announced the expansion of its Combi Freighter (CF) series with two new vessel designs — the CF 6000 and CF 7000 — both derived from the existing CF 5000 platform through the addition of an extended midship section.

According to Damen, the hull extensions give the CF 6000 and CF 7000 the ability to carry 20% and 40% more cargo, respectively, compared with the CF 5000. The vessels retain the cargo versatility of the broader CF series, featuring box-shaped holds with multiple grain bulkheads, tween decks, reinforced tank tops, container fittings, and IMO Type 1 compliance for dangerous goods. This configuration allows a single vessel to transport bulk, breakbulk, containers, and special cargo.

Regulatory alignment and fuel efficiency

Damen says the new designs are aligned with EU monitoring, reporting and verification (MRV) requirements, FuelEU Maritime, the EU emissions trading system (ETS), and IMO regulatory frameworks. The company notes that the vessels' hydrodynamic hull shape delivers low resistance and high fuel efficiency, enabling more deadweight capacity with comparable installed power — resulting in lower CO₂ emissions per tonne of cargo and favourable energy efficiency existing ship index (EEXI) and carbon intensity indicator (CII) ratings.

The CF series is said to be compatible with B100 biofuel, allowing emissions reductions without major technical modification. The vessels are also prepared for a hybrid power take-off/power take-in (PTO/PTI) system for peak shaving and zero-emissions operation during limited periods, such as port calls. Various battery configurations are available, along with the option for shore power connectivity. Damen also notes that the vessels are prepared for the installation of wind-assisted ventofoils.

Ice-class options and digital monitoring

As with the CF 5000, both new designs are available in ice-class and non-ice-class versions. According to Damen, the hybrid system provides an efficiency boost in ice conditions, while the non-ice-class variant benefits from its lightweight construction.

All vessels in the CF series are fitted with Damen's IoT system, Triton, which harvests and analyses data from thousands of onboard sensors to enable real-time performance optimisation.

Construction and support

Damen says the CF 6000 and CF 7000 will be built to its standards at its own and partner yards in Asia, with warranty and lifecycle support provided from the Netherlands following delivery.

Remko Bouma, Commercial Director Damen Cargo Vessels, commented: "The CF 6000 and CF 7000 are the logical next step in the development of our cargo vessel portfolio. The new designs represent the direct evolution of the CF 3850 and CF 5000 designs. They offer vessel operators the same high quality and reliability, while enabling them to select a tonnage capacity that best meets their operational needs."