Two Damen Combi Freighter 3850 vessels launched for Fast Lines Belgium

The second of three Damen Combi Freighter 3850 vessels has been launched at Damen’s Yichang Shipyard in China for Fast Lines Belgium. The first vessel was launched on 19 May, with the third currently under construction. The initial order for two vessels was placed in October 2023, with Fast Lines exercising an option for a third unit last year. These will be the first newbuilds to enter the company’s fleet.

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Today | 11:24 | Source: Gazeta Morska | Prepared by: Kamil Kusier | Print

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Sustainability, redefined

Fast Lines Belgium – a family-owned total logistics provider with operations in Belgium, the UK, Ireland and Poland – selected Damen based on a shared commitment to broad-spectrum sustainability. This includes not only environmental efficiency but also a strong focus on safety and crew welfare.

The CF 3850 design is optimised for fuel efficiency and provides high-quality onboard accommodation. Fast Lines has chosen to integrate additional features such as a harbour generator and an enhanced shore power connection – a critical consideration given the significant time short-sea vessels spend in port. These additions will allow the vessels to operate on shore power when available, reducing emissions and noise levels during port stays.

Enhanced handling and smart systems

To improve operational ergonomics, Fast Lines has specified increased crane capacity and a revised cargo layout, ensuring greater crane access to storage areas and reducing manual handling.

Each vessel is also equipped with Damen Triton, the shipbuilder’s IoT-based monitoring platform. With thousands of onboard sensors collecting real-time data, Triton provides detailed performance insights that support data-driven decision-making and efficiency gains.

Family legacy and long-term cooperation

Continuing Fast Lines’ tradition of naming vessels after family members, the three new CF 3850s will carry the names Fast Olivia, Fast Anna Sofia and Fast Gilles – a tribute to the third generation of the company’s founding family. The existing fleet includes Fast Sim and Fast Herman, named after the founders, and Fast Jef and Fast Sus, named after two of their grandchildren.

Catrien Scheers, Chair of Fast Lines Belgium, noted that the Damen vessel stands out in the market – it is fuel-efficient and intelligent. With Triton on board, the company can demonstrate fuel efficiency to clients in real time. She added that Damen’s use of standardised ship designs contributes to faster build times and industry-wide efficiencies – building in series is a step forward for the future of shipping.

Managing Director Yvan Vlaminckx emphasised the collaborative nature of the project – this is not a typical buyer–seller relationship. Both companies share long-term visions and family values, particularly regarding safety, welfare and sustainability. This mutual understanding has helped overcome challenges and deliver results beneficial to both parties.

Shaping the next generation of short-sea shipping

Remko Bouma, Commercial Director Cargo Vessels at Damen, described Fast Lines Belgium as a forward-thinking partner with strong engagement in digitalisation and crew welfare. Damen values the trust placed in the company – especially the order for a third vessel – and the expertise that Fast Lines has brought to the development process. Their operational insights will play a key role in the continued evolution of the Combi Freighter series.

The CF 3850s are being built at Damen’s yard in Yichang, China. Damen also constructs cargo vessels in Vietnam, ensuring production capacity meets growing global demand for this proven, adaptable design.