New heavy lift class from Jumbo

Jumbo Shipping will launch what it describes as the strongest heavy lift vessel in the world.

The K-class vessel is the next step above the company's exisitng four J-class vessels for the heavy lift transport market.

While the first unit is under construction at Brodosplit shipyard in Split, Croatia, there is an option for a second unit, said Jack Spaan, Jumbo manager of projects.

The vessel will be 153 metres long and 27 m in the beam. It will carry a pair of 1,100 tonne cranes, each with 27.5 m outreach. In tandem the cranes will lift up to 2,200 tonnes.

"To be able to work in Arctic regions, the vessel is to be built under ice class. For offshore operations the vessel will be prepared for future DP2 installation," added Spaan.

Estimated delivery date of the new vessel is March 2013, with plans for it to be operational in June of that year.

This wiill bring Jumbo's fleet up to 13 heavy lift vessels, not including the option of the second K-class vessel.