Damen launches two eco-friendly cargo ships for Fast Lines Belgium

Damen Yichang Shipyard, a subsidiary of Dutch shipbuilder Damen based in China, has recently launched two eco-friendly cargo ships with a capacity of 3,800 dwt for Fast Lines Belgium, a logistics company from Belgium. The first ship was unveiled in China on May 19, 2025, followed by the second one on May 30. These vessels were part of a contract signed between the two companies in October 2023, with Fast Lines Belgium later opting for a third ship last year.

Measuring 89.7 meters in length and 5.45 meters in width, these new vessels will be the latest additions to the fleet of Fast Lines Belgium, which operates not only in Belgium but also in the UK, Republic of Ireland, and Poland. Damen has designed the CF 3850 ships to prioritize fuel efficiency, with the flexibility to customize the design according to specific client needs. This includes the addition of a harbor generator and an enhanced shore power connection to reduce emissions and noise during port stays.

In efforts to streamline operations, Fast Lines Belgium has increased crane capacity on the ships to minimize manual handling by the crew. The vessels are also equipped with the Damen Triton IoT solution, which utilizes sensors to gather data for informed decision-making and improved efficiency. Fast Lines Belgium’s Chair, Catrien Scheers, praised the fuel efficiency and smart features of the vessels, noting that real-time fuel efficiency monitoring will be possible through the Triton system.

These eco-friendly cargo ships, named after Fast family members as Fast Olivia, Fast Anna Sofia, and Fast Gilles, mark a significant step towards sustainable shipping practices for Fast Lines Belgium.