The Dutch heavy-lift carrier Biglift and its Korean partner CY Shipping are expanding their cooperation and extending their “joint fleet” with two more heavy-lift deck carriers.
The cooperation between the two shipping companies has been in place since 2019, with the most recent order being for 2024 BC-class newbuilds. Another order has now followed – again for two newbuilds. This will expand the jointly operated fleet to a total of eight heavy-load units.
Like the units ordered last year, the ships now on order will also be built by the Chinese shipyard Jing Jiang Nanyang Shipbuilding. Deliveries are scheduled for the first and third quarters of 2028.
The carriers are designed and constructed for the global transportation of extremely large and heavy modular cargoes, including converter platforms and large units for the oil and gas industry. During development, great importance was placed on “reliable service speed, low acceleration and efficient loading and unloading processes”, according to a press release. Thanks to their similar design, depth, ballast systems and tidal compensation capabilities, the new vessels are fully interchangeable with Biglift’s MC-class vessels, i.e. the “BigLift Barentsz” and “BigLift Baffin”. However, they offer a longer deck length and an improved stern loading function.
The BC class has a length of 180 meters and a width of 43 meters. The deck extends over 43 by 140 m and offers a completely free loading area of 6,020 m². The cargo can be loaded and discharged via the stern or the side using the RoRo or skidding method. The depth is specified as 12 m, the load capacity as 25,000 t and the ballast system with a capacity of 12,000 m³/h. However, they are not semi-submersibles.
“The introduction of the BC class vessels reflects our shared vision with BigLift Shipping: to set new standards in heavy lift transportation. These vessels not only extend our operational reach, but also strengthen our commitment to the market,” said James Jung, Director at CY Shipping. Johan Boer, Commercial Director at BigLift Shipping, added: “This is a significant step forward in our mission to provide innovative heavy lift transportation solutions worldwide.”
