November 4, 2025 – Damen Shipyards Group has revealed its latest addition to its cargo vessel portfolio, the Combi Freighter (CF) 5000 ICE, at the Europort 2025 event in Rotterdam. This new vessel marks the first in a series of ice-class cargo vessels, with Damen’s scalable approach paving the way for future expansions.
Efficient in Open Water, Superior in Ice
Remko Bouma, Commercial Director of Damen Cargo Vessels, shared the vision behind the new design. “Our aim has been to leverage the success we’ve had with our next-generation cargo vessels to create a platform capable of economic ice navigation. The CF 5000 ICE is equally at home in open water and in ice, maintaining both optimal cargo capacity and high efficiency, just like conventional vessels. As always, we’ve worked in close consultation with vessel operators to ensure the vessel meets the practical demands of today and tomorrow.”
Optimized Design for Higher Capacity
The CF 5000 ICE builds on Damen’s extensive experience with the CF 3850 and conventional CF 5000 vessels. However, the latest iteration features some optimizations. The hull length and draught have been slightly increased to improve deadweight tonnage. These modifications, though modest, have resulted in a significant increase in cargo capacity, and Damen plans to apply these adaptations to future conventional CF 5000 models.
Engineered for Ice Operations
The CF 5000 ICE conforms to Swedish/Finnish Ice Class regulations and can meet the latest Finnish flag regulations. It offers high-quality accommodation, including a sauna and gym, and is equipped with a comprehensive winterization package, enabling it to operate in temperatures as low as -30°C.
Green and Future-Proof Design
To maintain the vessel’s efficiency, Damen has implemented a hybrid PTO/PTI system that allows the CF 5000 ICE to operate on a small, highly efficient propulsion system under normal conditions and to receive a power boost only when necessary for ice navigation. This ensures sustainable performance with minimal fuel consumption.
The vessel is also designed for battery installation and shore connectivity, enabling full electric propulsion for short periods, such as when docked or in environmentally sensitive areas. Additionally, the CF 5000 ICE can run on low-emission biodiesel, and its design is prepared for wind-assisted propulsion, with a ventofoil foundation already in place.
Damen’s IoT platform, Triton, will be available on the vessel, providing valuable data on system performance and maintenance, allowing crew and fleet managers to optimize vessel operation and ensure proper maintenance.
Ongoing Support and Future Plans
The first CF 5000 ICE is scheduled for construction soon, with delivery expected by mid-2027, in time for the winter season. The vessel will be built in Asia to ensure cost-efficiency while maintaining Damen’s high-quality standards.
Damen’s aftersales and service team in the Netherlands will continue to support the vessel post-delivery, offering warranty care and prompt assistance as needed. The team’s experienced engineers and maritime service managers will ensure the vessel’s continued optimal performance.
