German operator SAL Heavy Lift has placed an order for four heavy lift project cargo vessels in a series to be built by Wuhu Shipyard in China.
The vessels were developed by SAL in close cooperation with joint venture partner Netherlands-based Jumbo Shipping.
The vessels will each measure 149.9 by 27.2 metres and provide a capacity of 14,600 DWT. Despite their compact outer dimensions, the vessels will each feature a single box-shaped cargo hold.
SAL said that for as long as the hatch covers with a capacity of 10 tonnes per square metre are not utilised for stowing super-heavy deck cargo, the vessels will be able accommodate over-height cargo in the hold and sail with open hatch covers up to full scantling draught.
The vessels will be built to Ice Class 1A notation and will be fitted with fully electric cranes that can each lift up to 800 tonnes.
In addition to the optimised hull design, the vessels will also each have a propulsion system consisting of compact main engines and a diesel-electric booster function. SAL said that compared to other heavy lift vessel designs, this hybrid setup features the widest available range of economic speed settings and redundancy.
The newbuilding contract with Wuhu Shipyard also includes options for two additional vessels.
