SAL Heavy Lift’s multipurpose vessel Lone has been assigned a new open-top load line, increasing its maximum draught to 8.5 m and raising its deadweight capacity by 3,300 tonnes.
The vessel’s responses under heavy storm conditions were evaluated as part of the comprehensive preparation and testing, with simulation of waves at a height of 8.5 m – with testing conducted at Hamburg Ship Model Basin, in Germany. The appraisal also included measuring green water ingress into the open cargo hold under five varying encounter angles, defined as the angles between the vessel’s forward direction and the wave propagation.
SAL Engineering opted for a higher draft due to Lone’s future offshore tasks, which include the Baltic Power and Windanker projects. Higher hook loads are required for such offshore transition piece installation projects, so additional ballast is used to maintain stability and safety. The vessel’s open top draft increasing from 7.5 m to 8.5 m equips Lone to meet these operational challenges.
Later this month, MV Lone will be mobilised for its upcoming long-term offshore installation projects.
In December 2024, SAL inaugurated its third Orca heavy lift vessel.
