In late 2018 Dutch flag Heavy Transport Vessel BigLift Barentsz arrived in Rotterdam from China by way of the Northern Searoute. The route, when open, considerably reduces the distance between China and Europe compared to sailing round Asia and through the Suez Canal.

BigLift Barentsz carried parts of the new 5,000 t crane for Allseas’ Pioneering Spirit. The parts had been loaded at the Huisman terminal at Zhangzhou, China, and were now discharged onto barges by Bonn & Mees’ floating cranes. The cargo will be stored until Pioneering Spirit returns to Rotterdam. Presently, BigLift Barentzs is on her way to Flushing for her next assignment.