The Damen Shipyards Group has expanded its portfolio to include a new feeder vessel: the CFe 1100 builds on existing models. The vessel is designed to be retrofitted for methanol propulsion and to accommodate battery installations.
As Damen has announced, the new feeder vessel has been developed in response to market demand for more efficient and flexible capacity for regional and international shipping. During the design phase, particular emphasis was placed on fuel efficiency and preparing for the use of future fuels.
The CFe 1100 builds on the success of existing Damen vessels, including the CFe 800 and the Combi-Freighter (CF) series. Like these vessels, it features a hull designed for fuel efficiency and maximum flexibility, ensuring it is well-equipped for the years ahead.
“We are very proud of this latest addition to our portfolio,” said Nard Brandsma, Design Manager at Damen Cargo Vessels. “In developing the CFe 1100, we have drawn on our many years’ experience in building cargo ships, including valuable feedback from our customers across various generations of product development. We are therefore confident that this vessel offers a solution precisely tailored to the industry’s needs, enabling greater flexibility and efficiency in feeder services. We look forward to introducing this new development to the market and receiving feedback from ship operators.”
The vessel is fitted as standard with a hybrid PTO/PTI system. In PTO mode (‘Power Take-Off’), the main engine efficiently generates electricity for on-board consumers – including refrigerated containers – thereby reducing the need to run auxiliary generators. The PTI function (“Power Take-In”) supplements the hybrid system with an electric boost option; according to Damen, this enables a higher top speed and greater manoeuvring flexibility when required, whilst the main engine can remain optimised for economical speed and minimal fuel consumption during normal operation.
Prepared for sustainable operation
The vessel’s design is already prepared for a future conversion to methanol propulsion. The engine room offers sufficient space and system layouts to facilitate a future conversion. Furthermore, the layout of the aft hold has been designed in such a way that – whilst maximising container capacity in the original configuration – a methanol tank can be installed in the future. The fuel processing system is certified by the classification society DNV.
The design also provides for the integration of batteries in a separate, dedicated battery room. This means the vessel is equipped for operation using both battery and methanol propulsion.
To further improve efficiency, the CFe 1100 can be fitted with the Damen Air Cavity System (DACS). This patented air-lubrication system creates an air cushion between the hull and the water beneath the flat bottom section. This results in a considerable reduction in flow resistance and significantly lowers both fuel consumption and emissions.
A shore power connection enables a further reduction in emissions whilst in port, whilst the CFe 1100 can also be fitted with energy-saving devices such as the ‘Damen Duct’, leading fins and flow optimisers in the area of the propeller and rudder.
The cargo holds feature a fixed container-guidance system, specifically designed to accommodate 20-, 40- and 45-foot containers in the same configuration. This enables operators to load a wide variety of container combinations efficiently, maximise loading capacity and simplify loading operations.
Maximised capacity
The deck layout has also been optimised to maximise container capacity. The positioning of the stowage spaces for 45-foot containers offers the flexibility to load other container sizes efficiently without compromising overall capacity. This allows operators to adapt to changing cargo mixes whilst making optimum use of the vessel’s available cargo space. The hydraulically operated, swivelling hatch covers enable rapid loading and unloading of cargo.
According to a company statement, the CFe 1100 freighter is designed for efficient operation in various ports and terminals. Its ‘outstanding manoeuvrability’ contributes to safe and efficient port operations and reduces laytimes.
To this end, the vessel is fitted with a flap rudder, which provides improved steering response at both low speeds and cruising speed. In addition, a powerful bow thruster aids precise manoeuvring in confined harbour areas, whilst an optional stern thruster is designed to further enhance manoeuvring and positioning capabilities where required.
Particular attention has also been paid to the crew’s well-being. The ship’s design complies with the latest safety regulations and standards for crew accommodation. For example, noise and vibration levels have been reduced to a minimum.
Crew accommodation consists of modern, individually furnished cabins with high-speed internet access. For the CFe 1100, Damen has opted for a layout with the crew accommodation at the stern to ensure excellent seakeeping, greater comfort for the crew, improved operational availability and fewer weather-related operational restrictions. As the vessel is designed for a uniform load of 14 tonnes per TEU and a highly optimised cargo arrangement, the impact on cargo capacity is minimal, whilst the operational benefits are ‘considerable’.
Classification to the Finnish-Swedish Ice Class 1A further expands the vessel’s operational range. This ice class enables the CFe 1100 to navigate in first-year ice up to 1 m thick.
