Following successful test runs in Shanghai, the Damen Shipyards Group handed over the second of a total of four “Combi Freighters” of the type “CF 3850” to the Haren (Ems)-based shipping company Bernd Sibum.
The series of shortsea newbuildings is being built entirely at Damen Yichang Shipyard in China. The first unit, delivered at the beginning of February, is currently on its maiden voyage to Norway with project cargo. The new generation of “CF-3850” vessels is designed for high efficiency: in the standard version, the ships can run on 100% biofuel and are prepared for hybrid propulsion.
Haren-based shipping company receives funding
The Bernd Sibum shipping company has also received funding from the German government, enabling further investment in sustainable equipment features. The NaMKü (Sustainable Modernization of Coastal Ships) programme of the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV) aims to reduce the ecological footprint of coastal shipping. The “green” modifications are financed jointly by the NaMKü programme and the owner, with equity support led by the Oldenburg-based financier Mare Trust.
The four-ship series will be equipped with a hybrid drive featuring a PTO/PTI system, allowing for periods of emission-free operation. The vessels will also be fitted with shore power connections for port operations.
In addition, the ships will be equipped with Ventifoils from Dutch wind-assist specialist Econowind, expected to reduce fuel consumption by a further 12.5%. The first vessel will receive this installation shortly after its arrival in Europe at Damen Shiprepair Harlingen.
As part of the project, Damen used hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing for onboard systems and automation. This involves integrating real hardware into a simulated virtual environment, allowing systems to be tested, adjusted and validated safely and repeatedly before installation. This approach is intended to streamline commissioning and ensure the vessel meets expectations from the outset.
The “CF 3850” will also be equipped with the Damen Triton IoT system, which collects and analyses data from thousands of onboard sensors. This enables real-time optimisation of vessel operations, while insights are fed back into the development of future ship generations.
Bernd Sibum: “Ship is attractive for charterers and comfortable for the crew”
“We wanted to drive forward targeted improvements with these ships. This meant doing something to protect the environment, but at the same time creating a ship that is attractive for charterers and comfortable for the crew. When we presented our ideas to Damen, the company acted very professionally. They listened to us carefully and very quickly came up with a proposal that incorporated our goals,” explained Managing Director Bernd Sibum.
Sibum also praised Damen’s operations in China, highlighting the high standards of the shipyard and the commitment of the workforce. Cooperation between the teams in Yichang, the Netherlands and the shipping company worked very well and contributed significantly to the high quality of the vessels, he said.
