Universal Africa Lines (UAL) and BOCS are making a significant investment in their fleet with an order for two new multipurpose (MPP) vessels. The 140-meter, 12,000 dwt ships will be built by New JiangZhou Shipbuilding Heavy Industry.
Demonstrating a strong commitment to environmental sustainability, these newbuilds will meet the stringent EEDI Phase 3 and IMO Tier III NOx emission requirements. Modern propulsion technologies and optimised energy efficiency will characterise the vessels, aiming to lessen the overall environmental impact of the UAL & BOCS fleets. Delivery of both vessels is scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2026.
These new MPPs are strategically designed to further expand the well-established UBSL Mediterranean liner service and the recently launched UBSL Caribbean service. The latter connects Europe with the Caribbean, as well as the East Coast of South America and the US Gulf. This fleet expansion aims to bolster the UAL & BOCS market position by providing additional transport possibilities for their clientele.
Bjoern Hollnagel, Managing Director of BOCS, emphasised the significance of the investment, saying, “With this investment, we are setting a clear signal for development, efficiency and sustainability. The newbuildings will not only expand our capacities but also make a significant contribution to our strategy of offering modern and environmentally conscious logistics solutions.”
Harald Maas, Managing Director of UAL, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the strengthened partnership, saying, “We are very excited to further strengthen the cooperation between BOCS and UAL by expanding the UBSL brand. Together we are setting sail for the future.”
UAL BOCS Shipping Line (UBSL) has been actively expanding its breakbulk services, notably with the launch of UBSL Caribbean Lines, a joint venture between BOCS Bremen and Universal Africa Lines. This new service leverages the existing fleet of geared multipurpose vessels, ranging from 4,354 dwt to 33,000 dwt and equipped with cranes boasting lifting capacities up to 360 metric tons.
Operating from its head office in Capelle aan den IJssel, Netherlands, since October 2024, UBSL Caribbean Lines has been providing monthly sailings, offering regular loading ports in Aberdeen and Antwerp, with additional ports along the route available on inducement.
Discharge ports initially include La Brea and Point Lisas in Trinidad, Georgetown, Guyana, and Paramaribo, Suriname, with potential extensions to Brazil based on demand. This expansion responded to growing client demand for a Northwest Europe origin service, complementing UAL’s existing US to Caribbean and South America liner service, building upon the successful Mediterranean joint venture between the two companies.
Responding to increasing demand for reliable and sustainable transport solutions in the liner service market, this fleet expansion by UAL & BOCS continues the consistent implementation of their corporate strategies.
The original article was published on the Project Cargo Journal.