BigLift expands heavy lift fleet

Five more heavylift vessels will be added to Amsterdam-based BigLift Shipping.

The 17,500 dwt 1A ice-class vessels will each have two 400-tonne cranes and one 120-tonne crane. These “D-4” ships are further developments of the “D-gracht” vessels from BigLift?s parent company, Spliethoff.

The newbuildings will have high allowable deck loads to stow heavy cargoes. Should visibility from the wheelhouse be obstructed by large deck loads, the vessels can easily be manoeuvred from a second command station forward. Additional accommodation, a class room and training bridge will be provided for 10 cadets who will live, work and follow classes on board as part of their maritime education. The vessels are being built at the Ohua Shipyard in China and will be delivered between mid 2010 and the end of 2010.