Polidano Group has commissioned two cargo freighters to transport construction materials, with a view to replacing its existing vessel.
In a statement, the Dutch company supplying the two multi-purpose ‘Combi Freighter 3850’ vessels, Damen Shipyards Group, said the new freighters would help Polidano Group transport construction materials between Albania and Malta, and the wider Mediterranean region.
The two vessels will be named Denise P and Julia P after members of the Polidano family, the company said.
The freighter vessels feature box-shaped holds and tween decks, allowing for multiple cargo configurations, and will replace an existing vessel used by Polidano Group, “significantly” increasing the group’s capacity.
Polidano Group typically transports construction “aggregates” – encompassing materials such as sand, gravel, crushed stone and concrete – by sea, the statement noted.
Damen Shipyards Group said the two vessels were already under construction at its China shipyard prior to Polidano Group placing the order.
It expects to deliver the first vessel this year, and the second within the first three months of next year.
Polidano Group founder Charles Polidano said the company was “very pleased to place this order”.
“It is the aim of our company to always remain ahead of the curve, and we believe these vessels, which are renowned in the industry for their performance, will position us well for the coming years,” he said.
He added that the vessels represent a “boost in capability, not only for us, but for Malta”.
Damen Cargo Vessels sales manager Joppe Neijens said there was a “good connection” between his company and Polidano Group.
“Our two organisations are both family businesses, and we share the same entrepreneurial spirit … we are very proud that they have chosen to place their trust in Damen,” he said.
Describing the order as a “milestone moment” for the Dutch company, Neijens said the two vessels represented the 49th and 50th ships of the same model to be delivered in five years.
“We have every confidence that the vessels will serve the Polidano Group well in the years ahead.”
Polidano Group has become a leading player in Malta’s construction industry over the past three decades, with other interests across manufacturing and construction, property development and hospitality and leisure.
Damen operates 35 shipyards and 20 other companies in 20 countries, delivering around 160 vessels per year with a total production value of over three billion euros.
