November 25 - BigLift Shipping has appointed Scan-Trans Beijing as its commercial representative for China.

BigLift has seen considerable heavy lift action in China in recent years and in acknowledgement of the ever growing importance and potential of the Chinese market with regard to ocean transportation of heavy, and over-dimensional project cargoes is enhancing its commercial representation in the country.

Scan-Trans Beijing is well known in this market for its knowledge and experience.

BigLift currently operates a fleet of nine heavy lift vessels, with a lift capacity between 500 and 1400 tonnes.

From 2010-2011, seven newbuildings will be added to the fleet. Five of these are equipped with two 400-tonne cranes and a 120-tonne crane providing a combined lift capacity 800 tonnes. These are under construction at the Ouhua yard in China with delivery anticipated in the second half of next year. The other two, which have two 900-tonne cranes offering a total lift capacity of 1800 tonnes, are being built at Hazira in India with delivery scheduled for early 2011.

Pictured below is an artist's impression of one of the vessels that are currently being built in China.