Partners CY Shipping and BigLift Shipping have signed newbuilding contracts for two new Heavy Transport Vessels (HTV) with Jing Jiang Nanzang Shipbuilding in China. The addition of the two vessels pushes the total number of such vessels operating in the partnership’s fleet to six. 

The first vessel scheduled for delivery in the fourth quarter of 2025 will be owned by CY Shipping, while the second vessel, owned by BigLift Shipping will be delivered in the second quarter of 2026. The BC-Class vessels have been jointly designed by CY Shipping and BigLift Shipping.

James Jung, Director at CY Shipping, says, “I’m very proud and excited to strengthen our partnership with BigLift Shipping further. As a modern company, we understand the importance of being ahead of the market requirements, making a difference, and adding value to customers’ requirements.”

The vessels are designed to transport ultra-large and heavy modular cargoes worldwide, with a focus on reliable service speed, low accelerations and optimised loading and discharge times. Because of the similar frame spacing, depth, ballast and tidal compensation capacity, they will be interchangeable with BigLift’s MC-Class vessels BigLift Barentsz and BigLift Baffin, offering even more deck length and stern loading capability.

The overall length of the BC-Class is 180 metres, the beam is 43 metres, and the deck measures 43 by 140 metres, resulting in a fully unobstructed deck space of 6,020 square metres. Cargoes can be loaded and discharged over the vessels’ stern or side by ro-ro or skidding. The BC-Class has a depth of 12 metres, a maximum deadweight of 25,000 mt, and the ballast capacity is 12,000 m3/hr. The vessels are not semi-submersible.

Johan Boer, Commercial Director at BigLift Shipping, adds, “It is great to see how an initial idea turns into such a strong partnership. Both companies share many of the same values, and we are pleased to start this newbuilding program together with CY Shipping.”

Since 2019 BigLift Shipping and CY Shipping have combined their Heavy Transport Shipping capabilities. The current fleet, comprising four HTVs, is commercially fully operated by BigLift Shipping. The newbuild BC-Class vessels enable the company to offer even more unique transport services with three pairs of identical sister vessels, allowing the company to participate in long-term contracts and single voyages worldwide.