- Fast Lines Belgium has launched two Damen Combi Freighter 3850 vessels, marking the first newbuilds in its fleet.
- The vessels are designed for fuel efficiency, shore power compatibility, and improved crew welfare.
- The vessels, built at Damen’s Yichang Shipyard in China, reflect a close, value-driven collaboration between two family-owned companies.
- The ships will carry names honoring Fast’s third generation, continuing a family tradition and reinforcing the company’s long-term vision.
On May 30, the second of three Damen Combi Freighter 3850 vessels was launched in China for Fast Lines Belgium, shortly after the first vessel’s launch on May 19. The two companies initially agreed on a two-vessel contract in October 2023, with Fast Lines later opting for a third. These Combi Freighters mark the first newbuilds to join the Fast Lines fleet. The family-owned logistics company, headquartered in Belgium with offices in the UK, Ireland, and Poland, selected Damen to build its vessels based on several strategic considerations.
Fuel Efficiency, Crew Welfare, and Digital Innovation at the Core
Fast Lines Belgium has aligned with Damen on a broad interpretation of sustainability that goes beyond emissions to include safety, crew welfare, and operational efficiency. The Combi Freighter 3850 was designed with fuel efficiency and onboard comfort in mind, while remaining flexible to accommodate client-specific needs.
This meant incorporating a harbor generator and a larger-than-standard shore power connection for Fast. Given the significant time these short-sea vessels spend in port, the ability to connect to shore-based electrical power will help minimize noise and emissions as infrastructure improves across more terminals.
To further support crew welfare, Fast chose to increase the crane capacity on the CF 3850. This reduces manual handling and allows greater use of mechanical assistance for cargo operations. The ship layout was also modified to ensure better crane access to storage areas, enhancing overall workflow.
Another key feature for Fast is the integration of Damen Triton, an Internet of Things (IoT) platform. Thousands of sensors installed throughout the vessel collect real-time data, enabling more thoughtful decision-making and improved operational efficiency.
Building a Smarter, Shared Vision for the Future
Fast Lines Belgium’s decision to partner with Damen was driven by shared values and a forward-looking approach to vessel design. Chair Catrien Scheers highlighted the CF 3850’s blend of fuel efficiency and intelligent systems, including the onboard Triton platform, enabling real-time client monitoring and transparency. She emphasized that Damen’s series production model accelerates construction and contributes to greater efficiency across the maritime industry.
The CF 3850 vessels are being built at Damen’s Yichang Shipyard in China, one of the company’s key locations alongside Vietnam. This ensures the capacity to meet the demand for its popular cargo vessel designs.
Continuing a strong tradition rooted in family, Fast Lines will name the new vessels after members of the third generation—Fast Olivia, Fast Anna Sofia, and Fast Gilles—joining existing ships named in honor of the company’s founders and grandchildren.
Managing Director Yvan Vlaminckx described the collaboration with Damen as more than a standard client-vendor relationship. Instead, he noted, it is a partnership built on mutual respect, shared values, and a commitment to long-term results. Despite challenges during the project, the shared focus on safety, sustainability, and people has helped both companies navigate the process successfully.
Damen’s Commercial Director of Cargo Vessels, Remko Bouma, acknowledged Fast Lines Belgium as a progressive partner strongly emphasizing digitalisation and environmental responsibility. He noted the value of their operational insights, which have contributed to refining the CF vessel line and strengthening Damen’s future developments in this segment.
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Source: Damen Shipyards Group
