Shortsea operator Fast Lines Belgium has ordered two mini-bulkers with Damen Shipyards of the Netherlands.
The two 3,850-dwt vessels mark the company’s first-ever newbuilding orders.
They will operate under the Belgian flag in its breakbulk, container and logistics services.
Delivery is expected in summer 2025.
The Antwerp-headquartered company, which is controlled by the Scheer family, has not revealed any financial details.
Fast Lines is listed with a fleet of four small coasters built between 1996 and 2006, according to its website.
Before ordering the newbuildings, management said it reviewed all the options to achieve minimal emissions in an economical manner, including looking at alternative biofuels, as well as the latest advances in design and efficiency.
It concluded that Damen’s Combi-Freighter 3850 design presented “the best solution to navigate the energy transition crossroads”.
The vessels are deemed to have the lowest Energy Efficiency Design Index in the shortsea cargo vessel market.
“These will be our first newbuild vessels, and we are confident that the Damen CF 3850 vessels will fit like a glove in the Fast Lines Belgium’s business,” said managing director Catrien Scheers.
“Not only are they economical and efficient, our customers will also be able to see for themselves just how low their fuel consumption and therefore their emissions are. This will give us a valuable commercial advantage.”
Damen’s Combi-Freighter design has a box-shaped hold with multiple position options for the two-grain bulkheads.
The tweendeck gives full flexibility for bulk and breakbulk cargo.
The vessels ordered by Fast Ships will be fitted with Daman’s Triton remote monitoring system, which will deliver real-time information on fuel consumption and carbon emissions to the shore-side team as well as the ships’ crew.
