Germany's SAL Heavy Lift has entered into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with China's Wuhu Shipyard for five multipurpose heavy lift vessels (HLVs) of 14,600 DWT each.
If converted into construction contracts, the vessels would double an existing SAL HLV series to 10 ships.
The proposed vessels will each feature a spacious cargo hold and broad hatch openings, allowing oversized cargo to be carried with the hatch open.
Each ship will also have two customised hydraulic cranes with a combined maximum lifting capacity of 1,600 tonnes.
The proposed five HLVs would extend SAL’s existing programme with Wuhu Shipyard.
In 2022, SAL and partner Jumbo agreed to four firm vessels and two options; in 2023, SAL took up one option, increasing the firm series to five.
Three of those vessels have since been delivered: Elise, Frida, and Patricia. Each of the original ships is 149.9 metres long with a 23,600-cubic-metre hold and two electrically powered cranes rated at 800 tonnes each.
The series was developed for project cargo, including offshore wind components. On her maiden voyage, Patricia transported Vestas wind energy components on a route from Asia to Europe, while Elise and Frida were placed on long-term charters after their respective deliveries.
