Great Lakes milestone for BBC Chartering
BBC Chartering’s multipurpose freighter "BBC Houston" has successfully completed its first transit into the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Seaway System, marking a debut for the "LakerMax" vessel class. After passing inspection in Montreal, the ship entered the St. Lambert Lock on 27 April, welcomed by representatives of the Seaway Authority, Holmes Maritime, and BBC Chartering. The vessel proceeded to Erie, Pennsylvania, to deliver a full load of wind turbine blades.
With dimensions maximised to Seaway limits, the "BBC Houston" features 2,830 cbm of weather deck space, a 500-t lift capacity, and reduced fuel consumption, resulting in up to 30% lower GHG emissions per tonne. Simulated manoeuvring had been conducted earlier this year in Québec to prepare for the vessel’s navigation in the system. The arrival was celebrated as a significant step forward for BBC’s North American operations. (ah)