On 7 October, Damen Shipyards Group delivered its latest Combi Freighter (CF) 3850 to family owned German shipping company Reederei Gerdes. The delivery of the vessel, named Holger G, took place during a ceremony at the Bason Shipyard in Vietnam. The vessel is named Holger G.
A proven workhorse
Damen’s CF 3850 represents the latest generation in the shipbuilder’s successful cargo vessel portfolio. The proven vessel design has been optimised for modern operations and features optimal efficiency and maximum cargo capacity. With its box-shaped hold, combined with multiple positioning options for the two grain bulkheads and tween deck, the vessel provides exceptional flexibility for transporting both bulk and breakbulk cargo.
Designed and engineered in Drachten, the Netherlands, and built to Damen’s high standards in Vietnam, the CF 3850 comes with full aftersales support from the Netherlands.
Long-standing cooperation
There is a longstanding cooperation between Damen and Reederei Gerdes, with Damen having delivered eleven to the company over the years. The latest delivery prior to this one was the CF 3850 Helga G. in July this year. In the development of its vessels, Damen has taken into account feedback from Reederei Gerdes, making design modifications to enhance onboard living and working conditions.
One of the family
Speaking during the delivery ceremony in Vietnam, Nicole Gerdes, Managing Director of Reederei Gerdes, remarked, “We have always believed a ship is more than a piece of steel – she becomes one of the family. That is why we are highly selective in choosing the vessels we build and the partners we work with. Damen is an international shipyard, yet it has preserved the essence of a family company. We see this in their approach to finding solutions. Even in difficult situations, Damen always works with us to find an outcome that is in everyone’s best interest.”
Remko Bouma, Commercial Director of Damen Cargo Vessels, commented, “We are proud to continue our collaboration with Reederei Gerdes, and we look forward to delivering the following two vessels currently under construction in Vietnam. Our trust in this partnership is strong, and we are committed to supporting each other throughout the process.”
The vessels he mentions will be operated by over-C, a company founded as a partnership between Reederei Gerdes and Dennis Clavier. Over-C has specialised in coaster chartering across Europe for more than 20 years, building long-term customer relationships based on trust and reliability. The company combines deep market expertise with an openness to partnerships and innovation.