Lars Rolner-controlled United Heavy Lift (UHL) is taking over management of nine modern multipurpose (MPP) vessels formerly in the Zeamarine fleet, and two from another Bremen shipowner.

The Hamburg-based operator said it will handle running the nine eco-friendly F-900-type vessels from struggling Bremen-based Zeamarine “with immediate effect”.

The nine 14,000-dwt vessels, delivered in 2018 and 2019, were considered the jewels in the crown of the Zeamarine fleet, which is undergoing a period of restructuring.

But Rolner said the F-900’s as “a perfect match” to the growth strategy of his group.

The vessels have a combined crane capacity of 900 metric tonnes would “perfectly complement our innovative and tailor-made heavy lift transport solutions”, he said.

The F-900-ships were instrumental in helping Zeamarine win its biggest ever contract last year to operate in miner BHP’s South Flank iron ore project.

Zea­marine was to use the ships to service a contract to ship 450,000 tonnes of cargo, mainly from the Far East to Port Hedland in far northern Western Australia.

UHL has taken over the ships had been taken over without any contractual obligations, a spokesperson said.

Two for Africa service

The move represents significant growth for UHL, which is also to take over another two vessels formerly operated as part of the Zeamarine fleet.

UHL has taken over the 712-teu Zea Mahawali (built 2010) and Zea Kelani (both built 2010) from the fleet of Bremen-based shipowner Reederei Eugen Friederich.

The vessels, to be renamed Veronica and Valentina, will enter into the West Africa service, which UHL operates with Spanish partner Marguisa Shipping Lines

A third unidentified vessel, to be named Spring, further enlarge the UHL heavylift fleet in February.

“Our mission is to expand our company’s position as front-runners for an eco-friendly heavylift shipping industry,” Rolner said.

“The fleet of nine newbuilding F-900 vessels is a perfect match for our sustainability policy. Reducing the overall carbon footprint of our fleet while expanding the number of our vessel available to our customers, is our goal.”

UHL has been expanding their global network, having recently open offices in Japan, Malaysia and Norway. It plans to open an office in Houston, USA in February or March.

The expansion is made in joint venture with Ocean7 Projects of Denmark.

Their offices will operate under the name United O7.