Heralding a major new stage in the development of the multipurpose heavy-lift fleet deployed by BBC Chartering, the 13,400dwt BBC Leer made her service debut this month with an export freight loaded in China. The newbuild represents the leading edge of a 15-ship programme entrusted to Taizhou Sanfu’s yards on the Yangtze River.

Briese states that the particular configuration imbues a higher underdeck cargo capacity relative to heavy-lift tonnage of comparable size, resulting in a potential 30% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions per freight ton.

The main hold can accommodate items of freight at up to 104m in length, and of maximum 18.2m in width, so giving an extra edge to competitiveness in the project cargo market. The hold geometry in combination with the unobstructed, stackweight-rated weatherdeck give extra versatility in allowing for an overall container intake equating to 970TEU.