Universal Africa Lines (UAL), a Dutch registered shipping line has expanded its fleet with the addition of a new landing craft (LCT). The UAL Trader, joins the heavy geared MPVs owned by the shipping line specialising in dedicated projects/breakbulk and container services, mainly for the Oil and Gas and mining industries, from Europe and the US to West Africa (and vice versa) and lately also to East Africa

With the UAL Trader in its fleet, UAL noted that it is now able to offer even more variety to its clients. A landing craft unlike any other with space to hold approximately 430 TEU which is ideal for transportation of containers to shallow draft ports. With an LOA of 99,80 meters and a beam of 25 meters, the UAL Trader is a welcome addition to the fleet.

The vessel is currently heading into dry dock for a month and will be available in the Atlantic corridor afterwards, the company said.

To remind, in May, Bremen Overseas Chartering and Shipping (BOCS) and Universal Africa Line (UAL) set up a joint venture for the Mediterranean and Black Sea to and from West Africa. Together, the new service can draw on the fleet of both existing shipping lines, totalling of 19 modern, geared MPP vessels ranging from 8.000 dwt until 33.000 dwt, equipped with ships gear up to 360 mt lifting capacity.