SAL Heavy Lift has confirmed the expansion of its new generation fleet of energy-efficient heavy-lift vessels, known as the Orca Class, to five vessels with the signing of a new order.
According to the company, the Orca Class vessels, boasting a capacity of 14,600 dwt, feature two electric cranes with a lifting capacity of 800 mt each, Ice-class A1 designation, a dual-fuel methanol-ready engine, and ship-to-shore power connection. This design is aimed at achieving low emissions, contributing to a greener and more sustainable maritime future, according to the company.
The newly ordered Orca vessel will be named MV Vera, with an anticipated delivery in mid-2025. Additionally, the keel laying ceremony for MV Frida, the second Orca Class vessel, took place on December 8 at Wuhu Shipyard in China.
SAL emphasizes that all five Orca vessels are part of a funding program initiated by the German Federal Ministry of Digital Affairs and Transport. The program aims to promote sustainability and emission reduction within the maritime industry.
The contract for the fifth Orca Class vessel was signed by SAL Managing Director Capt. Sebastian Westphal and Zhang Zhao, President of Wuhu Shipyard in China, at the Marintec Exhibition held in Shanghai, China.
