SEPTEMBER 13, 2013 — BigRoll Shipping has been established by Netherlands based heavy lift specialists BigLift Shipping and RollDock Shipping to design, build and operate a fleet of state-of-the-art DP2 Module Carriers. Yesterday it ordered the first pair of these MC Class Module Carriers at COSCO Dalian Shipyard (see earlier story).

BigRoll Shipping says it is looking forward to a close cooperation with the shipbuilder on the detailed design and the construction of the vessels.

"The market's response to BigRoll Shipping and BigRoll's MC Class design has been very positive and we are pleased we can now announce that the vessels will be available mid 2015," says BigRoll's Arne Hubregtse.

Designed for the transportation of ultra large and heavy modular cargoes, the BigRoll MC Class is designed with a focus on high ballasting capacity, low fuel consumption, high service speed and excellent seakeeping behavior, which means lower acceleration forces on the cargo. The innovative hull design and propulsion configuration ensure a reliable and fast transit time.

MC Class vessels are specifically designed to deliver modules and equipment for large projects and are highly suited to travel to remote areas such as the Arctic, as well as directly offshore. The vessels have Finnish Swedish 1A Ice Class and are equipped with DP2. They have a very high ballast capacity in order to reduce loading and discharge times, thereby also increasing safety levels during these operations.

Decks are completely flush and can be used over the full length and beam for loading, discharging and stowage. The deck strength is built up on a uniform grid of bulkheads and web frames.

Length over all     169 m
Width over all     42 m
Hull depth     12 m
Design draft     5.5 m
Deadweight abt     22,500 mt
Ballast capacity     12,000 m3/hr
Free deck space     125 m x 42 m
Deck load     20 ton/m2
DP 2     
Finnish/Swedish Ice Class 1A     
Service speed     13 knots