BCL To Get New Vessel, Oleander To Be Retired
Bermuda Container Line [BCL] have signed a contract to have a new, custom, container vessel built to service Bermuda.
The new ship is scheduled to be delivered in the first quarter of 2019, at which time BCL’s current container vessel Oleander will be retired.
John Wight, Chairman of the Board of BCL, explained: “Bermuda has relied on BCL for its shipping service for over three and a half decades/well over thirty years.
“In order to continue to meet the demands of today’s market and to maintain the fast, efficient service for which BCL is known, we needed to execute a plan to bring online an updated, upgraded vessel.
The Oleander pictured in 2015:
“The new ship will be the most technologically-advanced vessel serving Bermuda. It will be outfitted to carry dry and refrigerated containers, trucks, cars and other wheeled equipment, along with over-sized project cargo.
“The vessel will be equipped with fuel-efficient main and auxiliary engines as well as leading-edge loading and cargo carrying capability.
“Further, as we think about long-term sustainability and environmental responsibility, we have ensured that the new ship will incorporate the capability to convert to liquid natural gas [LNG] operation, which many see as a game-changer for shipping in the future.”
“We are making this investment and designing this vessel with all our Bermudian customers in mind”, said Barry Brewer, CEO of BCL.
“Investing in a world-class, high-performing shipping service is investing in the future of Bermuda. Residents and businesses alike will benefit from the cost efficiencies and features designed into this ship”.
Bermuda Container Line Ltd, provides a weekly ocean freight service from the port of New York to Bermuda and is owned by Neptune Group Limited headquartered in Hamilton, Bermuda.
Bermuda Container Line has been in operation, providing weekly container and roll on / roll off service from Port Elizabeth New Jersey, since 1979. BCL has approximately 500 Bermudian shareholders.
