Freight News, Sea

SAL signs up for new ships

[ September 7, 2022   //   Chris Lewis ]

Project cargo shipping specialist SAL Heavy Lift has signed building contracts for four firm and two optional new generation ships with Wuhu Shipyard, China.

Scheduled for delivery starting in mid-year 2024, the first two ships of the Orca Class will be exclusively involved in the transportation of offshore wind turbine components in a long-term commitment with Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy. Two additional sister vessels will enter the market to serve the clients of the Jumbo-SAL-Alliance in the first half of 2025.

The vessels measure 149.9 m x 27.2 m with capacity of 14,600 dwt. Despite their compact outer dimensions, the vessels have a box-shaped single cargo hold with the largest dimensions in its class.

Two 800 t Liebherr electric cranes specifically designed for this ship type can handle cargo items weighting up to 1,600 t in tandem.

In addition to the optimised hull design, the vessels will have an innovative propulsion system consisting of compact and efficient main engines and a diesel-electric booster function. They will consume significantly less than 20 tonnes of fuel oil per day – similar to far smaller-sized and geared MPP vessels.

Tags: SAL Heavy Lift