Damen Shipyards Group has signed a contract with Malta-based Polidano Group for the delivery of two Combi Freighters 3850. The vessels will be named Denise P and Julia P in honour of members of the Polidano family.
The company will use the ships primarily to transport aggregates for its construction business. The two vessels will replace the single vessel currently operated by Polidano Group, increasing its cargo capacity significantly.
According to the companies, Polidano Group approached Damen Shipyards Group because of the CF 3850’s reputation in the market. The group typically transports aggregates from Albania to Malta. With a box-shaped hold and tween deck, the CF 3850 offers multiple cargo configurations, allowing the company to carry containers and breakbulk cargo on return voyages as well as on other routes in the Mediterranean region.
The vessels are also intended to improve efficiency. Damen Shipyards Group said the CF 3850 features a modern hull design with minimal resistance in the water, supporting lower fuel consumption and emissions.
Delivery time was another factor in the order. The two vessels were already under construction at Damen Shipyards Group’s yard in China before Polidano Group placed its order. Under Damen’s series construction model, this will allow both ships to be delivered within a year of contract signing. The first vessel is expected this year, while the second is due in Q1 2027.
Charles Polidano, founding member of Polidano Group, said the company aimed to remain ahead of the curve and viewed the vessels as a way to strengthen its position in the years ahead. He also described the ships as a capability boost for both the company and Malta, adding that they are the first newbuild cargo vessels to be constructed for the country in some time.
For Damen Shipyards Group, the order marks the 49th and 50th CF 3850 vessels booked since the launch of the next-generation design five years ago. Joppe Neijens, Sales Manager for Damen Cargo Vessels, said the two family-owned companies shared an entrepreneurial spirit and added that Damen was proud to have been selected for the project.
Polidano Group has operated in Malta for more than three decades and is active in manufacturing and construction, property development, and hospitality and leisure. The company says it continues to invest in innovation to improve both its competences and environmental performance.
