United Heavy Lift expands its fleet with a new F900 Eco. The “UHL Fresh” loads project cargo on its maiden voyage to Europe.
United Heavy Lift’s new flagship, the “UHL Fresh”, has started its maiden voyage from Tianjin in China to Europe with project cargo on board. She was officially handed over to the Hamburg-based shipping company on January 24, the company announced. [ds_preview]
The F900 eco-newbuilding was put into service less than a year after the keel was laid at the Hudong shipyard in Shanghai. The ship was christened at the end of 2023.
The “UHL Fresh” is the 18th ship in the Hamburg-based shipping company’s eco-lifter fleet. She is due to arrive at the port of discharge in Vaasa (Finland) at the end of March. The ship’s technical manager is Zeaborn Ship Management, which was recently sold to Ahrenkiel Wilhelmssen.
United Heavy Lift focuses on eco-designs
The state-of-the-art MPP heavy lift vessel has an IMO Tier III-certified main engine. In accordance with the international standard, up to 95% of NOx emissions are washed out while diesel particles are burned in the catalytic converters. At 21 tons at 15 knots, the newbuild consumes significantly less fuel than similar heavy-lift vessels. If biodiesel is used, the main engine can be operated in a climate-neutral manner.
“As a service provider, we are an important link in the transport chain of large companies that are increasingly focusing on ESG-compliant and environmentally friendly transport solutions,” says UHL Managing Director Andreas Rolner. The fleet age of around three years that has now been reached is a major advantage in the context of the EU ETS emissions trading system. Compared to a 20-year-old heavy lifter, the CO2 levy is only half as high.
The next newbuild is already in sight: after the “UHL Fresh”, the “UHL Fable” will be the 19th ship to join the fleet in 2024.
Technical data
- Length: 149.99 m
- Width: 25.6 m
- Draught: 9.2 m
- Maximum speed: approx. 15 kn
- Floor space below deck: 3,870 m²
- Floor space on deck: 2,990 m²
- Total floor space: 6,860 m²
- Deadweight: 17,115 tons
- Handling equipment: 2 cranes | 2 x 450 t
