UBSL represents a powerful alliance between BOCS Bremen Overseas Chartering and Shipping (BOCS) and Universal Africa Lines B.V. (UAL). Together, these two established carriers have combined their extensive experience and resources to create a dedicated liner service connecting the Mediterranean and Black Sea regions with West Africa.
The joint venture was officially launched in 2022, bringing together the operational strengths, local expertise and customer-focused values of both companies. This collaboration has allowed UBSL to offer a seamless and reliable service that caters to the needs of a wide range of industries, from Oil and Gas to general project cargo.
Multipurpose geared ships for heavy and out-of-gauge cargo.
Predictable shuttle frequency with inducement flexibility.
Port handling, storage, inland haulage, and documentation.
UBSL draws on a combined fleet of 19 modern multipurpose vessels (MPVs) ranging from 8,000 DWT up to 33,000 DWT, all equipped with ship’s gear capable of lifting up to 360 metric tonnes. This diverse fleet provides the flexibility to handle breakbulk, project cargo, heavy lifts and out-of-gauge shipments with ease.
By pooling vessels from both UAL and BOCS, UBSL ensures dependable schedules, efficient port calls and the ability to adapt quickly to customer requirements. Each voyage benefits from decades of operational expertise, strong regional partnerships and a shared commitment to safety and efficiency.
Universal Africa Lines B.V. (UAL) has built a reputation as a specialised breakbulk MPV shipping line, dedicated to the oil and gas sector. Operating geared vessels ranging from 4,500 to 12,800 MT DWT with lifting capacities up to 360 MT, UAL provides tailored solutions to support complex logistics projects in challenging environments.
BOCS, meanwhile, brings its expertise in monthly MPV liner services, employing a modern fleet of five geared vessels ranging from 7,700 to 34,000 MT DWT with lifting capacities of up to 160 MT. Its consistent service pattern and long-standing relationships in West Africa further enhance the reliability of the UBSL network.
The UBSL liner service bridges continents — connecting Europe’s southern gateway to the growing economies of West Africa. By combining the strengths of both UAL and BOCS, UBSL delivers greater capacity, schedule flexibility and tailored logistics support for customers across key industries.
Flexibility and customer proximity remain at the core of our operations. Whether it’s managing complex project shipments, coordinating with on-shore logistics partners, or providing end-to-end visibility, UBSL ensures that each client receives a reliable, transparent and efficient shipping solution.
For companies in the Oil & Gas, energy, mining or infrastructure sectors seeking reliable shipping of heavy-lift equipment, containers, industrial modules or breakbulk cargo between Europe, the Americas and West Africa, UAL stands out as a fully integrated shipping line with over 50 years of dedicated service in Africa’s demanding maritime environment.
UAL BOCS SHIPPING LINE BV
Rivium Boulevard 1, 2909 LK Capelle aan den IJssel, Netherlands
