HEAVY lift and project cargo carrier SAL Heavy Lift has signed into a newbuilding program for four new generation, carbon-neutral heavy lift ships.
Two additional, optional heavy lift ships are also included in the program, known as Orca Class, under a partnership between SAL Heavy lift and Jumbo Shipping.
Scheduled for delivery from mid 2024, the first two ships are expected to be exclusively involved in the transportation of offshore wind turbine components as part of a commitment with Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy.
Two additional sister vessels are scheduled to enter the premium heavy lift shipping market in the first half of 2025.
Martin Harren, owner and CEO of SAL Heavy Lift said the forthcoming Orca Class vessels are “setting new standards” in global heavy lift shipping.
“They represent the new benchmark both in terms of their technical capabilities and modern climate-friendly propulsion systems,” he said.
“The ships will be the most efficient vessels in their class with consumption and emission figures far superior to any existing heavy lift vessel today.”
Michael Kahn, owner of Netherlands-based Jumbo Shipping, thanked the newbuilding design team at SAL Heavy Lift for their co-operation.
“I am very impressed with their passion and technical expertise. The ships will help bring us even closer together.”
According to SAL Heavy Lift, the vessels are 149.9 metres by 27.2 metres in size and provide a capacity of 14,600 dwt.
The Orca vessels feature dual-fuel engines, which meaning they can use methanol as an alternative fuel.
SAL Heavy Lift said if green methanol becomes available in key ports as anticipated towards the end of the decade, the Jumbo-SAL-Alliance will be able to offer carbon-neutral transportation.
The ships are to be constructed at Wuhu Shipyard in China.
