SAL commissions two heavy lift vessels

The new ships have a a lifting capacity of 2,000 tons and a speed of up to 20 knots and are secheduled for delivery in December 2010 and March 2011.

According to Lars Rolner, Managing Director SAL "The global economic crisis has also had an effect on the heavy lift sector. However, we are already seeing signs that the market will recover in 2011. We have already received enquiries for expansive orders from the wind-energy sector, as well as from the oil and gas industries. To make sure that we are properly equipped, we are investing in two innovative heavy lift vessels, with which we can consolidate our leading position in the world market."

SAL has been a Sietas shipyard client for many years and the company, which is a joint venture with "K" Line, has has taken delivery of four Type-176 vessels from the Sietas shipyard over the last 12 months. Readers will recall that last year SAL cancelled an order for four Type-179 vessels from the Sietas shipyard and this latest news is a welcome confirmation that SAL remains committed to newbuildings.

Mr Rolner adds: "We have developed a type of ship that is based on market demands, one that has been planned and developed with a good deal of innovation."

According to a company statement , the Type-183 vessel represents a new generation of heavy lift ships, using a good deal of advanced technology. Claimed to be the the largest and fastest heavy lift vessels of their kind in the world, with a top speed of 20 knots and a lifting capacity of 2,000 tons, the new ships will feature an "open top", which means they can also transport exceptionally large loads and trade with open hatch.

Mr Rolner explains, "We are targeting the top of the market segment with the type 183 heavy lift vessels. We will be offering our clients the most powerful and capable heavy lift vessels in the world."