Photo credits: Det Kempke
Hamburg (July 15, 2024) – In a vibrant ceremony held at the Baakenhöft Terminal near the iconic Elbphilharmonie concert hall, United Heavy Lift (UHL) named its latest vessel, the UHL FABLE. This event marks a significant milestone for the Hamburg-based heavy lift shipping company as it continues to expand its eco-friendly F900 Eco-Lifter fleet. This addition brings the fleet to a total of 19 vessels, reinforcing UHL’s commitment to sustainable shipping.
“We are very happy to be naming yet another vessel in our home port of Hamburg,” said Andreas Rolner, Managing Director of United Heavy Lift. The UHL FABLE exemplifies UHL’s dedication to green energy, featuring advanced technology that significantly reduces emissions and fuel consumption. The UHL FABLE and its sister ship, UHL FRESH, constructed at the CSSC Hudong shipyard in Shanghai, highlight UHL’s strides in eco-friendly maritime transport.
Photo credits: Det Kempke
The naming ceremony was attended by 400 guests, with the ship christened by Nora-Katrin Rolner, wife of shipowner Andreas Rolner. Northern German entertainer Annie Heger hosted the event, with musical performances by the 30-strong shanty choir “Stader Hafensänger,” adding a festive atmosphere.
The UHL FABLE’s maiden voyage underscored its role in supporting renewable energy. The vessel transported rotor blades for onshore wind turbines from Tianjin and Dongzhao to Cuxhaven, Germany, for Danish manufacturer Vestas Wind Systems. This voyage is part of UHL’s broader strategy to cater to the increasing demand for eco-friendly breakbulk and heavy lift shipping solutions.
Built with the latest technology, the UHL FABLE boasts a length of 150 meters and features an IMO Tier III certified main engine. This ensures up to 95% of the vessel’s NOX emissions are eliminated, with diesel particles efficiently processed by catalytic converters. The vessel’s low bunker consumption further enhances its environmental credentials, with consumption rates of 7 metric tons at 9 knots, 10 metric tons at 12 knots, and 21 metric tons at 15 knots. Additionally, the UHL FABLE can operate on biodiesel, making its main engine operation climate-neutral.
UHL’s F900 Eco-Lifter fleet, with an average age of just three years, has a carbon footprint 30 to 50 percent lower than other fleets in the heavy lift sector. This makes it the most modern and environmentally friendly MPP heavy lift fleet globally. “We are supporting the energy transition with our vessels, and the transport of onshore wind turbines is part of our core business,” stated Rolner. UHL is already 30% booked for wind power transport until 2028, reflecting the high demand for sustainable shipping solutions.
The UHL FABLE’s impressive tonnage and crane capacity make it versatile enough for cross-sectoral use, including container transport. This versatility, combined with the fleet’s eco-friendly design, positions UHL as a leading provider of maritime transport services for heavy lift, breakbulk, and project cargo.
Technical data UHL FABLE
Length overall: 149.99 metres
Beam: 25.6 metres
Summer draught: 8.3 metres
Maximum speed: about 15 knots
Floor space under deck: 3,870 square metres
Floor space on deck: 2,990 square metres
Floor space in total: 6,860 square metres
Deadweight: 13,402 tons
Cargo handling gear: 2 cranes | 2 x 450 metric tons (safe working load)
Founded in 2015, United Heavy Lift operates a fleet of 24 modern heavy lift vessels with lifting capacities ranging from 160 to 900 metric tons. The company is part of the UNITED GROUP, based in Hamburg’s HafenCity, and employs a global team of 120. United Engineering Solutions, also in Hamburg, handles engineering tasks and commercial chartering, ensuring seamless operations.
Photo credits: Det Kempke
