The UNITED GROUP consists of four companies: United Heavy Lift, United Wind Logistics, United Engineering Solutions and United Heavy Transport. The individual divisions combine to deliver comprehensive maritime transport solutions. Managing Director Andreas Rolner discussed new vessels and future plans, in conversation with Antonia Cole.
United Heavy Lift (UHL) has recently completed the delivery of the newly built vessels UHL Fable, Managing Director Andreas Rolner said: “This milestone concludes our newbuilding series of 19 F900 Eco-Lifters, which is a really big achievement for us. The vessels have a reduced environmental impact, setting a precedent for more sustainable shipping within the sector.”
Founded in 2015, the UNITED GROUP is a global leader of the heavy lifting sector. The group is headquartered in Hamburg, Germany, with 12 overseas offices and approximately 150 employees.
The synergy between the four divisions of USG enables the company to offer clients a specialised and effective service that guarantees satisfaction. UHL is the largest division, focusing on the transportation of heavy and oversized project cargoes. With
a fleet of over 20 vessels, UHL serves various industries across the globe.
United Heavy Transport (UHT) provides integrated solutions and consulting services for maritime transport. Then, United Engineering Solutions (UES) supports the group through design services.
United Wind Logistics (UWL) specialises in the ocean transport of wind components including blades, nacelles, towers and foundations. Operating three deck carriers, UWL offers fully integrated logistic concepts for the offshore wind industry.
“At the UNITED GROUP, we are dedicated to providing safe, high-quality and environmentally friendly ocean transport,” added Mr Rolner. “Through each segment of the group, we work to deliver a service that meets all our customers’ individual needs, leading to long-term business relationships.”
Updating the fleet
With the completion of UHL’s F900 Eco-Lifter fleet, the UNITED GROUP is prepared to offer sustainable and efficient shipping services to clients. The group aims to prevent environmental harm in operations, which is why it has invested into this low-impact fleet of vessels.
“The introduction of these ships allows us to make a significant impact on the sustainability standards of the industry,”
explained Mr Rolner. “We are giving our partners the opportunity to transport goods in a way that is environmentally friendly, as well as helping them to meet their own ESG targets. The shift to a more sustainable future is a collaborative effort and the completion of our Eco-Lifter fleet is a great step in the right direction.”
The UHL Fresh and UHL Fable are both new, state-of-the-art MPP heavy lift vessels, designed to complete journeys safely, quickly and sustainably. In the F900 Eco-Lifter, the main engine is IMO Tier III certified. So, up to 95% of NOX emissions will be washed out and diesel particles will be burnt off in catalysts. They also feature two 450 tonne cranes with a lifting capacity of up to 900 tonnes, in combination.
Additionally, the vessels offer especially low fuel consumption. Bunker consumptions of 7, 10 or 21 metric tonnes mean that the F900’s fuel usage is significantly lower than other vessels of a similar size. The two new Eco-Lifters also have the capability to run on
biodiesel, which lowers particulate matter and reduces hydrocarbon emissions. The use of biodiesel makes operation of the main engine carbon neutral.
“Both our new vessels will serve the global market, supporting the growing interest in eco-friendly breakbulk and heavy lift sea transportation,” continued Mr Rolner. “Now we’ve concluded the F900 fleet, we are already looking into the future. The UNITED GROUP is investigating new designs to improve vessels even further and create solutions for the next generation.”
Serving the customer
Currently, the UNITED GROUP is managing a wide variety of contracts. Many of which are long-term commitments, with some lasting until 2028. The company is looking to grow and develop its fleet further in order to support its growing success.
The UNITED GROUP has already completed an expansion of its overseas offices, extending global reach. This means that the
company can communicate with clients locally, facilitating improved and more effective customer service internationally.
“Providing a high-quality service that fully satisfies our customers is one of our top priorities,” commented Mr Rolner. “Not only is our fleet of F900’s young, with an average fleet age of three years, but it is also incredibly redundant. As all 19 vessels are sister ships, it offers an enhanced flexibility when it comes to delays. We can easily exchange vessels, resulting in a quick and effective solution.”
The company also aims to serve customers by being open and transparent about sustainability measures. Two years ago, the UNITED GROUP established an ESG department and has since released two sustainability reports. This fosters loyalty with clients aiming to minimise their own impact and promotes environmentally conscious values throughout the industry.
“We are committed to reducing our carbon footprint, as well as that of our customers,” added Mr Rolner. “Our goal is to be carbon neutral by 2050, and we are eager to do everything we can to achieve that.
Phasing out our older vessels has made a significant improvement already, but we are very future-focused and have a lot more planned in terms of limiting our environmental impact.”
Growing for the future
The UNITED GROUP offers an end-to-end service to customers, from advice on the intake of ships to guidance on preventing future delays. The company aims to get involved early in the project’s development, allowing it to optimise schedules for maximum efficiency.
This builds up trust with the client, leading to larger contracts. When the UNITED GROUP receives a longer contract, it is then able to adapt and invest into vessels to suit individual needs. For example, specialised lifting beams can be installed to support operations, leading to more effective shipping.
“We want to be the partner of choice for everyone that we work with,” said Mr Rolner. “When it comes to quality, flexibility and sustainability, the UNITED GROUP upholds stringent standards. However, we are always looking to improve into the future and make our segment greener.
“As we serve the renewable energy industry, it is important for us to stay up to date with sustainable innovations so that we can support our clients. Together, we hope to get closer to a more environmentally friendly future.”
Despite being a younger company, celebrating its 10th anniversary next year, the UNITED GROUP has already made a lot of progress in minimising its environmental impact. The group plans to continue this trend into the future, enhancing every aspect of operations.
“It’s been exciting to see how far we’ve come, and I look forward to what the next 10 years hold,” continued Mr Rolner, in conclusion. “We will continue investing into the latest innovations and utilising our skilled team to implement them. The UNITED GROUP is full of people who are committed to the group, and it’s great to see our hard work pay off.” n
