The relationship between CY Shipping and BigLift dates back to the late 1990s. At that time, Mr H.G. Jung co‑founded Essense Shipping, acting as Jumbo Shipping’s General Agent in South Korea. During those years, BigLift’s current directors, Mr Johan Boer and Mr Wout van der Zwan, worked at Jumbo, and the collaboration flourished until Essense closed in the early 2000s.

After leaving Essense, Mr Jung moved into shipbuilding, followed by tug‑and‑barge operations, and later – in 2016 – became a deck carrier owner just as BigLift was expanding its fleet of Heavy Lift vessels. Johan Boer booked the maiden voyages for CY’s first two vessels, CY Interocean I and II. In 2019, the two companies laid the foundation for the successful Heavy Transport partnership that continues today.

“Trust was the main driver,” says James Jung, who moved to the Netherlands in 2019 to strengthen the partnership. “I’ve spent 4.5 years here, building relationships that go far beyond business.”

Today, the joint fleet consists of four heavy transport vessels, with a shared ambition to double this number by 2028. Their combined strength lies in BigLift’s commercial network and engineering expertise on the one hand and CY’s passion, dedication, and operational reliability on the other.

Close coordination is ensured through a unique approach: CY always maintains a representative in Europe, allowing for seamless day‑to‑day cooperation with BigLift. The difference in time zones creates a natural 24‑hour workflow – when one team finishes, the other picks up – ensuring flexibility and efficiency for clients worldwide.

In early 2025, CY merged its office with BigLift’s Korea branch, led by Mr Kevin Kim. “This physical integration broadens our synergy,” H.G. Jung explains. “It strengthens our joint presence in both the Heavy Transport and Heavy Lift markets.”

Family‑led businesses often face the challenge of blending heritage with progress. “Tradition matters,” James Jung reflects. “But relying on tradition alone risks falling behind. Having spent more time in the Netherlands than in Korea, I’ve adopted a more international mindset. These differences – In mentality, methods, and technology – are a form of innovation in themselves.”

James began his career at BigLift Houston before joining CY, making integration between the companies both natural and effective. Years of collaboration in the Netherlands, Korea, and ports around the world have created a level of trust and integrity that no contract can replicate.

Over the years, CY and BigLift have proved themselves a highly reliable HTV player in the global market – reliability that has translated directly into client trust. By 2028, the joint fleet will expand to eight vessels. This extended fleet will offer clients even greater flexibility. The new BC‑class, consisting of four sister vessels, will be fully compatible with BigLift’s MC‑class – creating a versatile and harmonised fleet.

The BC‑class vessels will feature direct‑drive fixed‑pitch propellers and fuel‑efficient two‑stroke engines to reduce both consumption and emissions. They will be fitted to run on biofuels and will be AMP‑ready, enabling shore‑power use to minimise emissions while berthed.

“The HTV market, historically driven by LNG projects, slowed down during COVID‑19 but is recovering quickly,” H.G. Jung notes. “Our versatile fleet – including the new builds – is well‑suited for modules from 1,000 to 10,000 tonnes. Flexibility will remain key.”

The combined Korean office will serve as a hub for both regional and global operations. Despite shifting cargo volumes to China and Vietnam, Korean ports remain strategically important. CY has already proven its capability during major project mobilisations, playing a critical role in preparing vessels for high-profile assignments.