Two Damen Combi Freighters Launched for Fast Lines Belgium in China

Damen Shipyards has marked a significant milestone with the launch of two Combi Freighters (CF) 3850 for Fast Lines Belgium. The second vessel in the series was launched on 30 May, following the launch of the first on 19 May. These vessels are part of a three-ship order, with Fast Lines initially contracting Damen for two newbuilds in October 2023 and later exercising the option for a third.

This project represents the first time Fast Lines Belgium has added brand-new vessels to its fleet. The logistics firm, headquartered in Belgium and operating across the UK, Ireland, and Poland, selected Damen based on the shipbuilder’s reputation for efficient construction and commitment to sustainable maritime practices.

Emphasis on Sustainability and Efficiency

Both companies share a broad approach to sustainability, integrating not only environmental concerns but also safety and crew welfare into vessel design. The CF 3850 is engineered for fuel efficiency and comfort. Fast Lines has customized the vessels to include a harbour generator and an enhanced shore power connection, preparing them to operate more sustainably in port environments as infrastructure for shore power becomes more widely available.

Operational Enhancements for Crew

Fast Lines has opted to increase crane capacity on the CF 3850 vessels, aiming to reduce manual handling and improve cargo operations. Ship layouts have also been modified to ensure more storage areas are accessible by crane, aligning with the company’s focus on crew welfare.

In addition, the vessels are equipped with Damen’s Triton remote monitoring system. This Internet of Things (IoT) platform uses data from thousands of onboard sensors to optimize operational efficiency and provide real-time fuel consumption insights.

Strategic Collaboration

Fast Lines Belgium Chair Catrien Scheers highlighted the advantages of partnering with Damen, citing the fuel-efficient and data-enabled design of the vessels. “Damen builds smart, standardised vessels that support efficiency not only in construction but also in long-term operations. With Triton, we will be able to demonstrate fuel performance to our clients in real time,” she said.

Damen is constructing the ships at its Yichang Shipyard in China. The shipbuilder maintains cargo vessel production capacity in both China and Vietnam to meet strong global demand.

Honouring Family Legacy

True to its tradition, Fast Lines will name the new vessels after third-generation members of the founding family — Fast Olivia, Fast Anna Sofia, and Fast Gilles. The current fleet includes four ships named after earlier generations, reflecting the company’s commitment to family values. Fast Lines Managing Director Yvan Vlaminckx praised the collaborative nature of the project. “This is not a typical buyer-seller transaction. It’s a partnership grounded in shared values — safety, people, and sustainability. That common ground has helped us navigate challenges and deliver high-quality outcomes.”