The Netherlands: BigLift and RollDock Form New Company – BigRoll

Global heavy lift and transportation providers BigLift Shipping and RollDock Shipping  announced on May 6 the formation of a joint company, BigRoll, which will operate two newbuild MC-Class Module Carriers for the transportation of ultra large and heavy modular cargoes by sea. The Module Carriers will be available as of the end of 2014 / beginning of 2015.

BigRoll will build two Module Carriers, designed with a focus on short loading and discharging times, high service speed and low accelerations. The vessels will have DP2 and Finnish Swedish 1A ice class notations. The overall length of the MC-Class is 169 m, beam is 42 m, providing the vessels with a deck space of 42 by 125 m. Maximum deadweight of the MC-Class is 22,500 mt. To offer deck space as large and flexible as possible the main decks are completely free of manholes, air heads etc.

Loading and discharging can be done over vessels’ stern or side by ro-ro or skidding. To minimize loading and discharging time the ballast capacity of the vessel is 12,000 m3/hr. The Module Carriers are not semi-submersible.

The combination of expertise of BigLift and RollDock, who share the same core values in QHSE and reliability of service and who have over 50 years of combined experience behind them, will give BigRoll a head start as a first class solution provider in the modular cargo market.

BigRoll will concentrate on the offshore and onshore oil and gas and renewables markets, power generation, container cranes and shipyard industries. The vessels’ high ice class notation will make them ideal to operate in the Arctic regions and the DP2 notation will enable direct offshore delivery of modules.

Arne Hubregtse, Managing Director of BigLift says: “I am very excited about the cooperation. Not only in designing, managing and operating the vessels, but also in BigLift, RollDock and BigRoll working together on special projects worldwide. As partners in BigRoll and having the innovative MC class available, we can make a difference and add value.”

Wout van der Zwan, CEO at RollDock says: “As a modern company we understand the importance of being ahead of the developments in the market. Our philosophy of not believing in limitations is highlighted in the decision to join forces with BigLift in this new venture to offer clients the ultimate in heavylift and transportation solutions worldwide.”

BigLift Shipping owns and operates 14 heavy lift vessels, with lifting capacities up to 1800 mt, in the worldwide project and heavy lift market.

RollDock Shipping presently owns and operates two semi-submersible/heavy lift/ro-ro vessels (sisters) trading worldwide with two more sister vessels to be delivered – one vessel by the end of this year and the other in April next year.

[mappress]
Bigroll Shipping, May 7, 2013