BBC Chartering Introduces Euro-Asia Service

Leading German multipurpose and heavy lift operator BBC Chartering announces the introduction of a new liner service connecting Europe and Asia. The line offers bi-weekly sailings to Asia and departs every three weeks to Europe.

The new service is marketed under the name “BBC Euro-Asia Express Line” and calls loading ports Rauma (Finland), Kristiansand (Norway), Hamburg, Antwerp, Bilbao and Porto Maghera and discharges at destinations in South East Asia (Port Kelang/ Singapore/ Batam, Ho Chi Minh/ Haiphong, Hong Kong) and the Far East (Shanghai, Masan/Busan, Kobe/Yokohama). On its westbound service the line loads in Masan, Yokohama, Shanghai, and Singapore and discharges in Mariupol, Genoa, Bilbao, Antwerp and Hamburg. The company states that other ports en route can be called on inducement basis.

Sandra Markus, line manager at BBC Chartering’s headquarter in Leer says: “The new line offers a high frequency on a long haul service and gives charterers also attractive transshipment options in the Black Sea (Mariupol) and in Antwerp interfacing with our established Caspian service. The line is of high interest for the shipment of energy related equipment.”

The company reports it seeks to employ mainly its 7,200dwt multipurpose Ro/Ro heavy lift vessels on the service. These vessels, also referred to as ‘K-types’, offer lifting capabilities up to 300mt (2x150mt) and possess the highest ice class enabling them for year round service on the designated route. Assigned to the first voyage is the ‘BBC Karan’ eastbound (week 11 ex Rauma) and the 8,000dwt ‘BBC Bangkok’ westbound (week 10 ex Masan, Korea) respectively. Depending on voyage requirements, the service may employ any tonnage of BBC Chartering’s portfolio and provide lifting capacity up to 800mt.

BBC Chartering previously announced it is strengthening its global liner activities responding to market requirements and its ongoing business development. Last, in December 2011, the company introduced its ‘BBC Americana Line – Med Service’. Svend Andersen, managing director of BBC Chartering, states: “Although current economics in the break-bulk and project cargo market remain difficult we continue to improve BBC Chartering’s services. The new service connects Asia, Europe and the Caspian Sea, hence offering a unique break bulk and project cargo proposition to our clients.”

This service introduction represents a natural step in the company’s further development as BBC Chartering reports it wants a ‘healthily balanced business’ regarding the employment of vessels in tramp, liner, and affreightment services.

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Source: BBC Chartering, February 20, 2012