The Dutch heavy-lift carrier BigLift and CY Shipping from Korea are expanding their cooperation with newbuilding contracts for deck carriers.
In 2019, the Spliethoff subsidiary BigLift joined forces with the Korean owner Chun Yang; the collaboration has so far comprised four vessels operated by BigLift on the market. Newbuilding contracts have now been signed.
The orders have been placed with the Chinese shipyard Jing Jiang Nanyang Shipbuilding, as has now been announced. The ships designed jointly by CY and BigLift are referred to as the BC class.
“Swap potential” with BigLift ships of the MC class
The first newbuild – for CY’s account – is scheduled for delivery in the fourth quarter of 2025, the second for BigLift in the second quarter of 2026. The vessels are “designed for the global transport of ultra-large and heavy modular cargoes, with a focus on reliable speed, low acceleration and optimised loading and discharging times”, according to a statement. Due to the similarities in dimensions, depth and tidal compensation capacity, they are said to be interchangeable with the MC class units, “BigLift Barentsz” and “BigLift Baffin”, but offer more deck length and stern loading capacity.
The BC class has an overall length of 180 m, a width of 43 m and a deck length of 43 by 140 m, resulting in a free deck area of 6,020 m². The cargo can be loaded and discharged via the stern or the side of the ship by RoRo or skidding. The BC class has a maximum load capacity of 25,000 t and a ballast capacity of 12,000 m³/h. However, they are not semi-submersibles. However, they are not semi-submersibles.
James Jung, Director at CY Shipping, said: “I am very proud and excited to further strengthen our partnership with BigLift Shipping.” Johan Boer, Commercial Director at BigLift Shipping, added: “It’s great to see an initial idea develop into such a strong partnership.”
