Damen to build a second Combi Freighter 3850 for Reederei Gerdes

The new vessel will be named the Kalli G.

Damen to build a second Combi Freighter 3850 for Reederei Gerdes
Photo: Damen Shipyards Group

German short sea shipping specialist ship owner company Reederei Gerdes signed the order for Damen Cargo Vessels to build a second Combi Freighter 3850, following delivery of the Benabell G in September last year.

Impressive performance of the Damen CF 3850 that was taken into service end of 2021, convinced Reederei Gerdes to order the next vessel of this type. Now that European short sea shipping is experiencing a period of growing demand, fleet renewal is key to be prepared for future operations. Tightening environmental regulations require fleet upgrades. The CF 3850 performs well within the requirements from IMO and port states, making it a future proof vessel. Additional benefit for the ship operator is of course the low fuel consumption at high deadweight.

Nicole Gerdes, managing partner at the ship owner company, states:

“It is important for us to utilise the resources available in a responsible manner. We focus on longevity and sustainability to retain our competitive advantage in coming years.”

Kalli G can sail at over ten knots carrying full cargo load, with less installed propulsion power. Optimised design of the hull reduces water resistance and enables substantial fuel savings. The 89.70 meter length over all, 12.50 meter beam vessel has a 1104 kW main engine. The relatively small power source is enough to maintain her 11.8 knot design speed even in rough conditions. The vessel carries 3830 tonnes of load. Cargo hold tanktop strength is reinforced to carry 15 tonnes per square meter. The CF 3850 takes 172 containers: 108 in the hold and 64 on deck.

Gerdes, with its associated chartering company over-C GmbH & Co. intends to employ the ship in the European coastal trade. Dennis Clavier, Director at over-C states:

“The size, in combination with its ‘NAABSA notation’ make the CF3850 a good vessel for calling smaller tidal ports for example in the UK. The movable bulkheads which can be used as partial tween-decks offer flexibility to carry grain, animal feed, fertilizer, steel but also project cargoes from time-to-time.”