January 20 - Amsterdam-based BigLift is set to bring five more heavy lift ships into service in 2010. The D-4 types will be 17,500 dwt and offer two 400 tonne cranes, offering 800 tonnes of lifting capacity in tandem, and one 12 tonne crane.
The ship design will allow high cargoes to be stowed on deck. If any such cargo obscures observation from the wheelhouse, the ships can be manoeuvred from a second, forward station.
The ships will play a role in training cadets for the line as each is equipped with a classroom and training bridge for up to 10 students who will be accommodated on board as part of their maritime education.
