- MV BBC HOUSTON becomes the first “LakerMax” class vessel to complete a round trip through the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Seaway System.
- The vessel delivered a full shipment of wind turbine blades to Erie, Pennsylvania, following extensive simulation-based navigation training.
- With optimized cargo space and reduced fuel consumption, the BBC HOUSTON sets a new benchmark for sustainable and efficient shipping in inland waters.
The MV BBC HOUSTON has completed her inaugural journey through the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Seaway System into Lake Erie and back, marking a significant moment in maritime operations. This voyage represents the debut of the new “LakerMax” vessel class—a designation earned due to the ship’s design, which maximizes size without exceeding the Seaway’s dimensional limits, according to BBC Chartering.
Seaway Clearance and Warm Welcome at St. Lambert Lock
Following her arrival in Montreal in late April, the vessel underwent a standard inspection by the Seaway Authority and received clearance to proceed. As she entered the St. Lambert Lock, Captain Andrei Kostrov and the BBC HOUSTON were greeted by a welcoming committee that included Ricardo D’Amore from The St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation, Ross Fletcher representing BBC Chartering in Canada, and Lou and Jennifer Holmes of Holmes Maritime, the ship’s agent in Canada. A brief commemorative ceremony was held while the vessel was sluiced through the lock, during which plaques were presented to both the captain and Seaway officials.
First Cargo Delivery to Erie, Pennsylvania
The BBC HOUSTON’s maiden cargo into the Seaway was a full shipment of wind turbine blades destined for Erie, Pennsylvania. Her arrival was the culmination of long-anticipated plans since the announcement of her sister vessel, the BBC LEER, a year earlier. According to Ross Fletcher, the LakerMax design drew considerable attention and speculation regarding its future navigation through the Seaway—a milestone now realized.
Training and Preparation Ensure Smooth Transit
Ricardo D’Amore reflected on the excitement of seeing the vessel pass through the St. Lambert Lock, emphasizing the coordination and preparation behind the scenes. Earlier in February, simulator-based training sessions were conducted in Québec by the Great Lakes Pilotage Association (GLPA) in collaboration with Briese Schiffahrt and BBC Chartering. These sessions allowed pilots to rehearse real-life navigation scenarios with vessels of the LakerMax class, ensuring a seamless passage for the BBC HOUSTON.
Engineering Excellence and Environmental Efficiency
The BBC HOUSTON is a multipurpose triple-deck cargo vessel with a lifting capacity of up to 500 metric tons. Its forward-positioned bridge and accommodations allow for a clear weather deck offering 2,830 square meters of usable space. Below deck, it features 26,000 cubic meters of volume and 5,500 square meters of covered cargo area. Remarkably, the vessel consumes less fuel than others of similar size, resulting in up to a 30% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions per unit of cargo carried.
Commemorating a Historic First
A small ceremony marked the occasion in front of the vessel. Commemorative plaques were presented to Ricardo D’Amore of the Seaway and Captain Andrei Kostrov. Also in attendance were Lou and Jennifer Holmes of Holmes Maritime and Ross Fletcher, the Owner’s Representative of BBC Chartering in Canada.
The successful debut of the BBC HOUSTON paves the way for her sister ships to navigate the Seaway, promising greater capacity, efficiency, and reduced environmental impact for future transits through North America’s inland waters.
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Source: BBC Chartering
