BBC Chartering took delivery of its new heavy lift vessel BBC Amber, built at Jinagzhou Shipyard, China. This 14.360 dwat heavy lifter currently marks the top of the BBC’s “new wave” fleet renewal and expansion program, offering lifting capacity up to 800mt (2x 400mt).

Svend Andersen, Managing Director of BBC Chartering said: “This vessel series program aims at increasing the lifting capacity of our fleet now up to 800mt. For us this marks a significant step in our company’s development on our ongoing quest to increase service levels, flexibility, and versatility, with modern tonnage at the core of the BBC Chartering operated fleet.”

The BBC Amber is the first of 14 new buildings that are planned to commence service for BBC Chartering over the next 2 years. This series of vessels carries the names of gem-stones, metaphorically appreciating its higher profile. Other new features of this series are seen in a superstructure located on the forecastle of the vessel, hence providing an unobstructed view and its universal cargo hold that allows shippers to make flexible use of weather protected space on 83m length and 19m width.

Currently under construction at Jiangxi Jiangzhou Shipyard, China, one more vessels of this series is expected to be delivered in 2011, the BBC Amethyst.

This June the company also took delivery of the BBC Fuji, the second of eight sister vessels named after rocky landmarks that are being built in Xingang, China. Similar to its sister vessel BBC Everest, this 9.300 dwat heavy lifter offers a lifting capacity up to 700mt. “Some of our clients have already experienced this new vessel and appreciate the advantages of a compact size vessel with high lifting capacity. We are pleased to receive a lot of interest for this type.” said Andersen.

The BBC Bangkok is another vessel that was recently put into service this August, delivered from Dalian, China. This multipurpose vessel is also the second of eight vessels following BBC Bergen, which was joining the BBC Chartering fleet in January 2011. This 8.000 dwat vessel with 2x 80mt lifting gear is part of the fleet renewal program the company has committed to.

Tags: BBC Chartering