Leer-based Briese Group will take delivery of its first LakerMax newbuild from Taizhou Sanfu Heavy Industry, China. The BBC Leer is the first of fifteen 13,000 dwt multipurpose triple-deckers that will be delivered to the Group by 2026. 

The BBC Leer, built to BBC Chartering’s specifications, will enter a long-term time charter agreement with the company for global trading upon delivery.

Enhanced capacity, reduced emissions

This newly designed series represents a significant advancement in the ocean transportation of project and heavy-lift cargo, according to BBC Chartering. The vessels boast a number of features that optimize cargo handling and environmental performance.

Lifting power and deck space

The BBC Leer and its sister vessels are equipped with two Liebherr LS 250 shipboard cranes, each with a lifting capacity of 250 metric tons (mt), for a combined lifting capacity of 500 mt. The bridge and crew accommodation are positioned at the front of the ship, allowing for an unobstructed 2,830 square meters (sqm) of weather deck space ideal for project cargo handling.

Below-deck capacity and versatility

The two box-shaped cargo holds offer nearly 26,000 cubic meters (cbm) of cargo space on a floor area exceeding 4,900 sqm when utilising the two tween decks. This design prioritises below-deck cargo capacity compared to existing tonnage, leading to a potential 30 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions per freight ton carried.

The main, large triple-deck cargo hold can accommodate project cargo units up to 104.3 meters long and 18.2 meters wide below deck. Hatch covers and tweendecks are designed to handle loads of up to 4.0 mt/sqm, while the tanktop can handle loads of up to 20.0 mt/sqm, with specific areas supporting even higher loads of 25.0 mt/sqm. Notably, the vessels are certified to operate with open hatches, further enhancing cargo handling flexibility.

Global reach with regional considerations

While designed for worldwide trading, the BBC LakerMax-class vessels maintain the ability to navigate both the St. Lawrence Seaway and the Great Lakes, offering access to key North American markets.

The vessels are powered by a 6,000-kilowatt (kW) MAN B&W main engine, delivering eco-friendly service speeds between 13 and 15 knots.

The BBC Leer marks a significant development in BBC Chartering’s fleet, offering enhanced capabilities to meet the evolving needs of the project and heavy-lift cargo transportation sector.

“With BBC LEER and her sister vessels, we will be adding a fleet of most modern and versatile multipurpose heavy-lift vessels and maintain our capability to serve our clients in worldwide trades with highest efficiency and reliability,” said Ulrich Ulrichs, CEO of BBC Chartering. “Whilst the global multipurpose fleet is ageing, this investment by the Briese Group is a clear commitment to renewing our fleet with modern tonnage and maintaining our market position.”