MV BBC LEER, the inaugural vessel in the groundbreaking “LakerMax” series of multipurpose heavy-lift triple deckers, is set for delivery this week from Taizhou Sanfu Heavy Industry in China to its owners, the Leer-based Briese Group. This new vessel will soon begin a long-term time charter with BBC Chartering, poised for global operations.
The LakerMax series represents a significant advancement in the maritime transportation of heavy-lift and project cargo. With a total of fifteen vessels planned for this series, BBC Chartering is set to receive fourteen additional ships by 2026. These vessels are designed with the latest in maritime engineering to optimize efficiency and capacity.
The MV BBC LEER and her sister ships come equipped with two Liebherr LS 250 shipboard cranes, which collectively offer a lifting capacity of up to 500 metric tons. The cranes are strategically positioned portside, allowing for an impressive 2,830 square meters of unobstructed space on the weather deck. The vessel’s bridge and crew accommodations are situated at the front, enhancing operational efficiency and visibility.
Below deck, the cargo holds are box-shaped and designed for maximum capacity, boasting nearly 26,000 cubic meters of space on approximately 5,000 square meters of floor area when the two tween decks are in use. This higher capacity compared to existing vessels translates to a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions—up to 30% less per freight ton carried.
The main cargo hold is particularly notable for its ability to accommodate units up to 104.3 meters in length and 18.2 meters in width under deck. Additionally, the hatch covers and tweendecks can support loads of up to 4.0 metric tons per square meter, while the tank top can handle loads up to 20.0 metric tons per square meter, and in some areas, up to 25.0 metric tons per square meter. These vessels are also certified to operate with open hatches, further enhancing their versatility.
The design of the BBC LakerMax vessels is optimized for global trading, with a particular focus on fitting the St. Lawrence Seaway and Great Lakes. Powered by a 6,000 kW MAN B&W main engine, these ships offer eco-friendly speeds ranging from 13 to 15 knots.
Ulrich Ulrichs, CEO of BBC Chartering, emphasized the strategic importance of the LakerMax series, stating, “With BBC LEER and her sister vessels, we will be adding a fleet of the most modern and versatile multipurpose heavy-lift vessels, maintaining our capability to serve our clients in worldwide trades with the highest efficiency and reliability. Whilst the global multipurpose fleet is aging, this investment by the Briese Group is a clear commitment to renewing our fleet with modern tonnage and maintaining our market position.”
The MV BBC LEER signifies a new era for BBC Chartering and the Briese Group, reflecting a commitment to innovation, sustainability, and maintaining a competitive edge in the global maritime industry. As these state-of-the-art vessels join the fleet, they are set to redefine standards for heavy-lift and project cargo transportation worldwide.
