United Heavy Lift’s (UHL) newest vessel – UHL Fable – has begun its maiden voyage from Tianjin in China to Europe.

UHL Fable sets out on maiden voyage

Source: United Heavy Lift (UHL)

UHL Fable sets out on its maiden voyage.

This vessel is the 19th and final member of UHL’s F900 Eco-Lifter newbuilding programme and is expected to arrive in Hamburg in two weeks. The vessel will call in Cuxhaven beforehand to unload a consignment of wind turbine rotor blades. 

As with sister vessel UHL Fresh, UHL Fable was built at China State Shipbuilding Corporation’s (CSSC) Hudong shipyard in Shanghai. The multipurpose heavy lift vessel features a main engine which is IMO Tier III-certified and up to 95 percent of the vessel’s NOX emissions will be washed out. It is also able to run on biodiesel. 

UHL said that the young age of its heavy lift fleet is advantageous in today’s operating environment, which is characterised by increased environmental regulation. It said that its average age of vessel in its fleet is approximately three years. The F900s are capable of lifting up to 900 tonnes. 

A naming ceremony for UHL Fable will take place on July 14 in Hamburg.