BBC Chartering has officially christened the MV BBC BREMEN, the eighth in a series of fifteen LakerMax heavy-lift vessels, during a ceremony at the Port of Bremen. The high-efficiency triple-decker features a 500 mt lifting capacity and an optimized deck layout that reduces GHG emissions per freight tonne by 30%. With 11 of 15 vessels now delivered and an additional 12 units on order for 2028-2029, the carrier continues a massive fleet renewal program to service the global project cargo market.
Bremen, Germany | January 27, 2026 – In a milestone event reflecting both historical roots and future-facing maritime engineering, BBC Chartering officially christened the MV BBC BREMEN at the Port of Bremen on January 26, 2026.
The ceremony, held at the BLG Logistics terminal in Bremen Neustädter Hafen, marked the formal naming of the eighth vessel in a series of fifteen advanced LakerMax-type ships. The event was a homecoming of sorts, as the vessel was loading industrial components in the very city where BBC Chartering was founded nearly three decades ago.
A “Once in a Lifetime” Ceremony
The traditional breaking of the Champagne bottle was performed by Anitta Schumann, Chartering Manager at the company’s Bremen office since 2011, who served as the vessel’s godmother. Following the christening, Magnus Deppe, chaplain of the Bremen Seamen’s Mission, provided a formal blessing for the ship and its crew.
The event drew a distinguished guest list of approximately 100 industry leaders, including:
- Kai Stührenberg, State Councillor at Bremen’s Senator for Economic Affairs, Ports and Transformation.
- Joachim Bothe, Deputy Port Captain of Bremen.
- Matthias Magnor, CEO of BLG Logistics.
- Senior representatives from Briese Schiffahrt, clients, and cooperation partners.
“I was absolutely delighted to be nominated as godmother; this is a once in a lifetime experience,” said Anitta Schumann. “Even before, I always referred to it as ‘our ship’, I feel very honored and am happy to be even more closely connected to this ship from now on.”
Knut Voigt, Head of the Bremen office, highlighted the emotional significance: “BBC Chartering was founded here in the city in October 1997. We all at the Bremen office are very glad to welcome and celebrate ‘our ship’ here in Bremen.”
Technical Profile: The “Space Miracle” LakerMax
The MV BBC BREMEN represents the cutting edge of multi-purpose heavy-lift technology. Delivered to owners Briese Schiffahrt and operator BBC Chartering in September 2025, the vessel has already completed successful voyages to Esbjerg, Denmark, and Le Trait, France.
The LakerMax design is engineered for maximum efficiency and cargo flexibility:
- Lifting Capacity: Equipped with two Liebherr LS250 shipboard cranes, providing a combined lifting capacity of up to 500 mt.
- Deck Optimization: By positioning the bridge and accommodation forward, the vessel offers an unobstructed 2,830 sqm of weather deck space.
- Cargo Volume: With 26,000 cbm and 5,500 sqm of covered floor space, the vessel is described as a “space miracle” for its ability to handle oversized project cargo.
- Environmental Impact: The aerodynamic and technical optimizations result in significantly lower fuel consumption compared to similar vessels, reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions per freight tonne by up to 30%.
Fleet Expansion and Future Outlook
The naming of the BBC BREMEN comes amid a massive fleet renewal program. Of the original 15 LakerMax vessels ordered, 11 have now been delivered.
Confidence in the design is so high that Briese Schiffahrt has recently expanded the order book, adding six additional firm orders plus options for six more. These future deliveries are slated for 2028 and 2029, ensuring BBC Chartering remains at the forefront of the heavy-lift market for the next decade.
Following its call in Bremen and a subsequent stop in Hamburg, the BBC BREMEN will cross the Atlantic, destined for the U.S. ports of Galveston and Houston.
About BBC Chartering
BBC Chartering, with head office in Leer, Germany, is a global market leader in the ocean transportation of heavy lifts and project cargo. The company operates a fleet of more than 140 multi-purpose heavy-lift vessels ranging from 4,000 to 40,000 DWT, serving the oil and gas, renewable energy, and mining sectors globally.
Source: BBC Chartering