SAL Heavy Lift is pleased to announce another pioneering addition to its fleet: The German heavy lift and engineering expert is chartering the two top modern semi-submersible deck carriers “Zhong Ren 121” and “Zhong Ren 122” on a long-term basis together with its partner Shanghai Salvage (China). Both ships will be delivered in Shanghai between December 2023 and February 2024 and marketed through the Jumbo-SAL-Alliance.

“We don’t use the term ‘milestone’ lightly – but, in this case, it’s more than appropriate. This project is extremely important to us as a group, both commercially and strategically,” says Dr Martin Harren, CEO of SAL Heavy Lift and the Harren Group. “Our combined MPP and heavy lift fleet, which currently comprises 54 units, is one of the world’s leading fleets. We offer our customers the most powerful heavy lift vessels in the world. However, the truth remains that the demands and requirements of our clients – especially in the offshore wind sector – are becoming increasingly extensive and complex. These two new additions give us the opportunity to meet and possibly even exceed these requirements. Customers will benefit from more choices and better solutions.”

SAL has been working intensively on the topic of semi-submersible deck carriers for years. In 2021, a special department was founded for this purpose. SAL has been acting as commercial agent for two Pan Ocean deck carriers since 2017, gaining valuable experience in the project-based chartering of external tonnage.

“‘Zhong Ren 121’ and ‘Zhong Ren 122’ will empower us to undertake cargo transportation and projects previously inconceivable with our existing fleet,” explains Matthieu Moerman, Director Chartering & Project at Jumbo-SAL-Alliance. “They will expand our capabilities, opening doors to new markets. By adding the two vessels, we can offer more marine transport solutions as a group.”

The key highlights of “Zhong Ren 121” and “Zhong Ren 122” include:

• 169 m long, 39.8 m wide
• Ability to carry floating cargo due to semi-submersible mode
• Ultra-modern DP2 technology
• DWT: 26,000 t
• Cargo deck capacity of 5,300 m²
• Outstanding deck strength of 25 mt/m²
• Average sailing speed of 12 knots
• Accommodation facilities for up to 59 people

Following delivery, SAL will have the opportunity to utilise the two vessels for cargo transports from Asia to Europe. Afterwards, they will be deployed for an offshore wind farm project in the USA.

Once the wind farm project has been completed, SAL intends to extend the charter contracts with Shanghai Salvage for an additional two to three years. Alberto Aguilaniedo, Manager Chartering & Projects at Jumbo-SAL-Alliance, states: “With our exceptional project and chartering team, I envision a vast potential for these vessels which further solidifies our strategic focus on the renewable energy sector.”

About SAL Heavy Lift: SAL Heavy Lift, a company of the Harren Group, and part of the Jumbo-SAL-Alliance, is one of the world’s leading carriers specialised in the sea transport of heavy lift and project cargo. The modern fleet of heavy lift vessels offers highly flexible options to customers both within project shipping as well as for offshore projects. With travel speeds of up to 20 knots, dynamic positioning systems, Fly-Jib, 1A ice class, up to 3,500 square metres of unobstructed main deck space and combined crane capacities ranging from 550 to 2,000 tons, the fleet is among the most advanced in the heavy lift sector.

As a leading global company in the heavy lift and project cargo segment, SAL meets the highest standards with regard to quality, technical innovation, health, safety and environment. With SAL’s latest investments in its newbuilding programme of Orca Class heavy lift vessels, the company takes an industry-leading step in applying green technologies to its fleet. The global outreach of SAL is ensured via own sales offices and exclusive agents spread across 23 countries.

About Jumbo-SAL-Alliance: Jumbo-SAL-Alliance manages the sea logistics of all types of heavy lift, breakbulk and project cargo in any market. Side by side, two of the most prominent and technically advanced heavy lift carriers combine their strengths and resources to deliver the best engineered heavy transport solutions to customers world-wide.

Two united teams and two specialised fleets operate as one shared fleet. Customers receive carefree service, an experienced crew and simplified commercial interaction. Jumbo-SAL-Alliance is in full control of all its assets, i.e. 30 dedicated project cargo vessels. With three DP2 vessels, two range-extending Fly-Jibs and eleven ice-class vessels, the Alliance can reach almost any location and handle the most demanding scopes.

Jumbo-SAL-Alliance provides a highly flexible shipping solution and a broad range of services which exceeds any other project cargo shipping service in the market space. With lifting capacities up to 3,000 t SWL, Jumbo-SAL-Alliance manages the largest fleet of vessels in the 800+ t lifting segment. This provides a commercial bandwidth that ranges from rapidly positioning vessels for smaller or larger single shipments to large-volume contracts to full scope solutions for complex projects – all under one roof.

Our experienced people – commercial, engineering, project management, QHSE – work closely with a combined network of agents and offices around the world. We provide clients, whether EPCs, brokers, forwarders, OEMs, energy companies or others, with a partnering mentality, expert advice and safely delivered goods. Jumbo-SAL-Alliance: stronger together.

SAL Heavy Lift, one of the world’s leading maritime heavy lift and project cargo carriers, has signed building contracts for four firm plus two optional new generation heavy lift ships with Wuhu Shipyard, China. This joint newbuilding programme involving SAL Heavy Lift and partner Jumbo Shipping is called Orca Class.

Scheduled for delivery starting in mid-year 2024, the first two ships will be exclusively involved in the transportation of offshore wind turbine components in a long-term commitment with Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy. Two additional sister vessels will enter the premium heavy lift shipping market to serve the clients of the Jumbo-SAL-Alliance in the first half of 2025.

“The Orca vessels are setting new standards in global heavy lift shipping. They represent the new benchmark both in terms of their technical capabilities and modern climate-friendly propulsion systems,” says Dr. Martin Harren, Owner and CEO of SAL Heavy Lift and the Harren Group. “The ships will be the most efficient vessels in their class with consumption and emission figures far superior to any existing heavy lift vessel today. As a signatory to the ‘Call to Action for Shipping Decarbonization’, our Group has committed to the decarbonisation of shipping activities by 2050. I am proud that this newbuilding order shows how we are keeping our promise for significant, concrete action.”

The vessels were developed in close cooperation with SAL’s joint venture partner, Jumbo Shipping (Schiedam, The Netherlands), another true heavyweight in the industry. Jumbo Shipping Owner Michael Kahn stresses: “One can say that these ships mark the beginning of a new era for the Jumbo-SAL-Alliance – no exaggeration. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the newbuilding design team at SAL for their great cooperation. I am very impressed with their passion and technical expertise. The ships will help bring us even closer together.”

The vessels measure 149.9 m x 27.2 m and provide a capacity of 14,600 dwt. Despite their compact outer dimensions, the vessels have a box-shaped single cargo hold with the largest dimensions in its class. Provided the hatch covers with a capacity of 10 t/m² are not utilised for stowing super-heavy deck cargoes, such as 3,000 t cable carousels, the vessels can accommodate over-height cargo in the hold and sail with open hatch covers up to full scantling draft.

Christian Johansen, Global Commodity Manager – Ports & Transportation, Offshore at Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy, says: “We are excited to continue and build on our strategic partnership with SAL Heavy Lift with their Orca Class programme. We see their ultra-efficient profile and carbon-neutral potential as a perfect fit with our aim of decarbonising our supply chain. As companies, we share a lot of the same values – and we are happy to embark on this journey together with SAL.”

Thomas Mortensen, Head of Transport Project Execution, Offshore at Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy, adds: “We are especially impressed with the flexibility these new vessels represent. Our business is complex, challenged by rapid globalisation as well as the increasing size and weight of our turbine components. The need for flexibility is higher than ever, and the Orcas meet several of our anticipated medium- to long-term transportation challenges. Best-in-class intake, speed and lifting capabilities are all key factors in our decision to work with SAL on the two first Orcas.”

Jan-Peter Esbensen, Managing Director of Jumbo-SAL-Alliance Denmark, has been involved in the discussions with Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy from the very beginning: “It is great to see how an initial idea is now turning into such great and trend-setting vessels. We look forward to growing our cooperation with Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy in the years to come.”

Ice class notation 1A, a Polar Code certification and the reduced design temperature of the hull and equipment allow the ships to safely operate in cold conditions as well.

Two 800 t Liebherr cranes specifically designed for this ship type can handle cargo items weighting up to 1,600 t in tandem. “Despite extremely high crane pedestals of more than 11 m, the overall crane height and thereby the vessel’s air draft remains at just about 38 m. This makes it possible for the vessel to pass Kiel Canal and enter strategically important ports worldwide,” explains Sebastian Westphal, CTO at SAL Heavy Lift. “The fully electric cranes are perfect for the vessel’s intelligent energy management and recovery system. This is based on a battery storage system that can be used together with conventional gensets in hybrid mode, or in combination with the vessel’s shore power connection for fully electric port operations.”

Developed in house, the ship type design expertly combines the experience and know-how from decades of complex heavy lift project execution with the latest technologies. Jakob Christiansen, Head of Research & Development, Retrofit & Newbuilding at SAL Heavy Lift, comments: “We developed and optimised various vessel details, especially in relation to the hull form and propulsion system, in close cooperation with the renowned Naval Architecture faculty at the Hamburg University of Technology. Recent tank performance tests revealed that we have created one of the world’s most efficient hull forms for a vessel of this size – outmatching all existing heavy lift and MPP vessels.”

In addition to the optimised hull design, the Orca vessels will have an innovative propulsion system consisting of compact and efficient main engines and a diesel-electric booster function. Compared to other heavy lift vessel designs, this hybrid setup features the widest available range of economic speed settings and redundancy.

At a service speed of 15 kn, the vessels will consume significantly less than 20 t of fuel oil per day – similar to far smaller-sized and geared MPP vessels. Alternatively, the vessels will be able to trade at a slow, ultra-efficient speed of 10 kn at 6 t while still being able to reach a maximum speed of 18.5 kn for urgent deliveries – if a windfarm installation vessel is waiting for an urgent component delivery, for example.

The vessels are equipped with dual-fuel engines, which means that they can use methanol as an alternative fuel. If green methanol becomes available in key ports as anticipated towards the end of the decade, the Jumbo-SAL-Alliance will be able to offer their customers carbon-neutral transport solutions – a defined environmental protection goal that both companies share. For more information on SAL and Jumbo’s sustainability goals, please see the latest Harren Group sustainability report – now available online.

NaMKü (“Sustainable Modernisation of Coastal Vessels”) funding from the German Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport allows SAL to utilise pioneering technology in the vessels innovative power train with the target on highest efficiency and significant emission reduction. Among other eco-friendly effects, this will lower NOx emissions 10 percent below the IMO Tier 3 level while undercutting EEDI phase 3 limits for CO2 emissions by 21 percent.

About SAL Heavy Lift

SAL Heavy Lift, a member of the Harren Group, is one of the world’s leading carriers specialised in the sea transport of heavy lift and project cargo. The modern fleet of heavy lift vessels offers highly flexible options to customers in project shipping as well as offshore ventures. With travel speeds of up to 20 kn and combined crane capacities ranging from 550 to 2,000 t, the fleet is among the most advanced in the heavy lift sector.

SAL offers advanced transport and offshore services to multiple sectors with their Type 183 fleet, equipped with dynamic position systems and an optional mountable Fly-Jib for greater crane outreach. With the Type 171 and 116, SAL has a fleet of 1A ice class heavy lift vessels capable of navigating arctic waters and northern sea route transits.

As a leading global company in the heavy lift and project cargo segment, SAL meets the highest standards with regard to quality, technical innovation, health, safety and the environment. SAL’s investments in advanced hydrogen/methanol power generators mark an industry-leading step in applying green technology to their fleet. SAL also has a strong international presence, with sales offices and exclusive agents in over 20 countries.

www.sal-heavylift.com

About Jumbo Shipping

Jumbo has been developing pioneering ocean transportation solutions for over 50 years. Building on its heavy lift capability, Jumbo has rapidly established a sound track record in the offshore subsea installation market since 2003.

Jumbo believes that engineering, safety awareness and environmental care stand at the forefront of a reliable operation. This is why Jumbo has invested – and continues to invest – in the latest state-of-the-art engineering methods, software and equipment. The company also developed an effective in-house safety awareness programme called “Stay Well”.

Today, Jumbo operates versatile and in-house designed heavy lift vessels with a lifting capacity from 800 up to 3,000 t. Two of the J-1800 class construction support vessels, Jumbo’s Fairplayer and Jumbo Javelin, are equipped with a DP2 system, enabling them to provide transport in combination with offshore installation services.

Jumbo built its success on strong client relationships. As a trusted partner, Jumbo strives to assist clients in reaching their goals.
www.jumbo-maritime.com

About Jumbo-SAL-Alliance

The Jumbo-SAL-Alliance handles marine logistics for all types of heavy lift, breakbulk and project cargo. Side by side, two of the most prominent and technically advanced heavy lift carriers are combining their strengths and resources to deliver the best engineered heavy transport solutions to customers around the world.

Two united teams and two specialised fleets operate as one shared fleet. Customers benefit from excellent service, an experienced crew and simplified commercial transactions. Jumbo-SAL-Alliance is in full control of their 30 dedicated project cargo vessels. With three DP2 vessels, two range-extending fly-jibs and eleven ice-class vessels, the Alliance can reach nearly any location and master the most demanding project scopes.

Jumbo-SAL-Alliance provides highly flexible shipping solutions and a broad range of services – exceeding any other comparable project cargo shipping service in the market. With lifting capacities up to 3,000 t SWL, Jumbo-SAL-Alliance manages the largest fleet of vessels in the 800+ t lifting segment. This provides a commercial bandwidth that stretches from rapidly positioning vessels for single shipments of all sizes to large volume contracts and even comprehensive solutions for highly complex projects – all under one roof.

A tight-knit group of experienced professionals in a variety of areas, including commercial, engineering, project management and QHSE, works closely together with a strong network of agents and offices around the world. The goal: providing clients, whether EPCs, brokers, forwarders, OEMs, energy companies or others, with a partnership mentality, expert advice and safely delivered goods. Jumbo-SAL-Alliance: stronger, together.

www.jumbo-sal-alliance.com

About Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy

A pioneer and leader in the wind industry for more than 40 years, Siemens Gamesa is unlocking the power of wind. Today, our team of over 27,000 employees is working at the heart of the global energy revolution to tackle the most significant challenge of our generation – the climate crisis. With a leading position in onshore, offshore, and service, we engineer, build and deliver powerful and reliable wind energy solutions in strong partnership with our customers. A global business with local impact, we have installed more than 124 GW and provide access to clean, affordable and sustainable energy that keeps the lights on around the world. To find out more, visit www.siemensgamesa.com and connect with us on social media.

Joint venture creates a new commercial heavy weight in project and breakbulk shipping with a fleet of 30 advanced heavy lift vessels

Today, the heavy lift industry sees a new and powerful constellation unfold. Jumbo Shipping, the Dutch maritime heavy lift transport and engineering contractor, and SAL Heavy Lift, the German-based breakbulk and project cargo specialist, commence operations with their joint venture as the Jumbo-SAL-Alliance. Combining their fleets and all commercial activities, SAL and Jumbo are gearing up to create a new powerhouse in the heavy lift sector.

This is a very proud moment for Jumbo and SAL. Both companies believe that this move propels them to a greater level of geographical outreach and commercial capacity. To serve clients worldwide, the joint venture acts as the single commercial entry point for its joint sales network of offices and agents in 20+ countries. Significantly, it handles the complete marketing of 30 highly versatile project cargo vessels with lifting capacities up to 3,000 t SWL, marking it as the largest fleet in the 800+ t sector. This ensures availability, flexibility and the right transport concept at the right time for customers seeking reliable and high quality shipping solutions.

Michael Kahn, Managing Director of Jumbo, says: “This joint venture is a big step for both of us. In the past few years, it became increasingly clear that the benefits of collaboration heavily outweigh the traditional way of doing business. Our client base and interests have changed and to remain an effective global player in our field of activity, you always need to adapt and innovate. Not only on a technical level, but also commercially. We believe that the flexibility and competences that our clients are looking for are best served by SAL’s and Jumbo’s combined assets and knowledge.”

The Jumbo-SAL-Alliance stands for the highest QHSE standards, technical excellence and commercial flexibility by offering project and semi-liner services to customers worldwide, with the goal of creating a complete maritime transport solution for both breakbulk and specialised transportation scopes around the globe.

Jens Baumgarten, Director Chartering at SAL Heavy Lift, adds: “This collaboration allows us to bring an unrivalled shipping product to market. It provides a solid answer to the needs of big contractors and EPCs as well as manufacturers and forwarders. On one side, we can handle regular or spot-market breakbulk cargoes. On the other, we have the experience and the assets to handle very large and long-term scopes, including arranging third-party tonnage or whatever is needed to make good on our ‘one-stop-shop’ promise. Simply said, we want our customers to be happy during and after each and every project. This way, they will trust us to deliver a new heavy lift solution for them the next time.”

Jumbo and SAL are highly complementary, both in terms of fleets as well as human resources, both ashore and on board, while sharing many of the same values in terms of quality, safety and solutions focus. This equality makes the joint shipping product easy to combine and market as customers can expect a quality product irrespective of the vessel executing the shipment. The companies’ traditional focus on safe operations and being a reliable partner is integral to our joint way of working.

Martin Harren, Managing Director of SAL and the Harren & Partner Group, adds: “I truly believe we are creating something extraordinary here. This strategic collaboration combines engineered transport solutions with a significant fleet of heavy lift vessels. The Jumbo-SAL-Alliance stands for the best in heavy lift shipping and in complex global transportation. We have a unique team of highly experienced people which can really create value for our customers. From engineering to full-scope project management, by combining our resources we can now provide services that literally exceed any other heavy lift service currently in the market. It’s a winner.”

The joint venture was cleared by the German competition authority earlier this month. The two companies share 90+ years of combined experience, are both family-owned and managed and are among the world’s most prominent and technically advanced heavy lift carriers. Note that both SAL and Jumbo continue as independent operators and vessel owners and both remain active brands in the market.

Felix Peinemann, VP Sales Shipping at Jumbo, states: “The Jumbo-SAL-Alliance merges the global chartering and marketing activities of both companies, creating one large, joint sales organisation. Both brands retain their market presence in addition to the new set-up. On a personal note, we have spent much time with our new colleagues in the past months, organising this joint venture, which went very well. I believe that our joint efforts have led to a solid alliance. If the level of cooperation and building relationships in the preparation phase is any measure of success, then the Jumbo-SAL-Alliance will be very successful!”

SãoPaulo, 24^th February 2021

An exciting new venture is about to unfold in Brazil. On March 1^st 2021, Intermarine Brazil and SAL Heavy Lift Brazil will open their doors in the great South American country. By establishing a joint office, the two heavy lift shipping & logistics companies are set to strengthen their operations in South America and expand their activities within the project cargo and breakbulk sectors.

Intermarine and SAL Heavy Lift are ready to dance the samba. The two sister companies are very pleased to announce their establishment of a new joint strategic sales office in the important cargo hub of Brazil.

Staffed by seasoned commercial and chartering personnel, the new office will focus on servicing the needs of worldwide customers, supporting Intermarine’s Americas Liner Service and the heavy lift shipping activities of SAL Heavy Lift.

Svend Andersen, CEO Intermarine says: “I have done business in Brazil for more than 30 years and know the great importance of the country on the global heavy lift and break bulk scene. With our new joint establishment, we will offer our customers a local access point to a truly unique service with the combination of SAL’s global project and semi-liner services and Intermarine’s very strong Americas liner service and breakbulk business. I look forward to seeing our activities grow in Brazil with this new initiative in SãoPaulo”.

The office will be headed by Natalie Jones, a veteran in the Brazilian breakbulk and project cargo sector, where she has worked for leading carriers, including Intermarine, for more than 25 years. With a team of 5, she will take the lead in building up the new South American business base. 

Natalie Jones, General Manager, SAL / Intermarine Brazil, states; “Brazil holds plenty of opportunities – especially within the power, energy and infrastructure arenas. With the combined services of Intermarine and SAL, our team has a very strong product to market, and I look forward to growing both business and brands together with the rest of the international teams.” And it feels good to be back to the great outfit where I first began my career!

Both Intermarine and SAL have considered, for quite some time, expanding its commitment to the Brazilian market as a natural steppingstone to strengthening their presence throughout the Americas.

Jens Baumgarten, Managing Director & Head of Chartering, SAL Heavy Lift, adds; “Historically, Brazil has provided plenty of attractive prospects, but our setup has lacked a base and the right resources. With our new office in SãoPaulo, I am confident that we can establish SAL as a household name in Brazil. I look forward to engage on this journey together with Natalie, the Brazil team and Intermarine.”

The office will target the growth taking place in the industrial, renewables, offshore oil and gas and power sectors in Brazil and South America in general together with the Intermarine and SAL teams in Houston and New Orleans, USA and in Hamburg, Germany.

Richard Seeg, President Intermarine, concludes; “Intermarine’s long legacy in Brazil forms the cornerstone of our activities in the region. With our new setup I am confident that we will see our break bulk activities grow together with the business activities of SAL.”

The office address and contact details is as follows:

Intermarine Brazil & SAL Heavy Lift Brazil

Rua Enxovia 472 Apt 1401

Vila SãoFrancisco, SãoPaulo – SP Brazil

04711-030

Phone +55 11 3368 1670

+55 11 3368 1673

+55 11 5049 0887

About Intermarine

Intermarine, as agent for Industrial Maritime Carriers, LLC, is a leading provider of reliable liner services for the transport of project, breakbulk and heavy lift cargo in the Americas. From its US offices in Houston and New Orleans and a wide network of agency offices throughout the region, Intermarine provides weekly sailings to and from the US Gulf and Colombia, Trinidad, Guyana and Suriname with frequent regular sailings to Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America, Brazil, and the West Coast of South America.

For more information please visit:

www.intermarine.com

About SAL Heavy Lift

SAL Heavy Lift, a member of the Harren & Partner Group, is one of the world’s leading carriers specialized in sea transport of heavy lift and project cargo. The modern fleet of heavy lift vessels offers highly flexible options to customers both within project shipping as well as in offshore projects. With travel speeds of up to 20 knots and combined crane capacities ranging from 550 to 2000 tons the fleet belongs to the most advanced in the heavy lift sector.

With the Type 183 fleet, equipped with dynamic position systems and an optional mountable Fly-Jib for greater crane outreach, SAL offers advanced transport and offshore services to multiple sectors. With the Type 171 and 116, SAL holds a fleet of heavy lift vessels with 1A ice class, capable of trading in arctic waters and northern sea route transits. 

As a leading global company in the heavy lift and project cargo segment, SAL meets the highest standards with regard to quality, technical innovation, health, safety and environment. SAL’s latest investments in advanced hydrogen/methanol power generators, takes an industry leading step in applying green technology to its fleet. The global outreach of SAL is ensured via own sales offices and exclusive agents which spread across more than 20 countries.

For more information please visit:

Houston, 05 October 2020

A great new venture is ready to set sail. SAL Heavy Lift and Intermarine, two of the most recognized names in the heavy lift shipping arena, are coming together to create a yet unrivalled shipping setup within the Americas and for cross-Atlantic trade. Operating as an independent brand within the SAL Heavy Lift Group, Intermarine will tie its Americas liner service to SAL’s global heavy lift trade and in combination bring to market the most comprehensive maritime breakbulk and heavy lift solution in the Americas.

The Americas are about to see a unique project, breakbulk, and heavy lift shipping setup unfold. Intermarine and SAL Heavy Lift have for decades been synonymous with shipping excellence, yet they have served different market segments and regions. Now this association of heavy lift excellence brings together the expertise, resources and fleets of both companies and establishes a unique commercial proposition that will benefit a broad spectrum of customers, whether local or international, with shipping services to, from, and within the Americas.

For over 30 years, Intermarine has provided high-quality breakbulk liner services between North America and South America and in the Caribbean, in combination with a strong intra-South America trading network. Under the operational helm of Intermarine veterans Mr. Richard Seeg as President and Mr. Chad Call as Vice President and CFO, Intermarine will continue to serve its customers throughout the Americas as part of the SAL Heavy Lift Group. New to the management team is CEO and shareholder Mr. Svend Andersen, who, with his four decades in the breakbulk and multi-purpose sector, is one of the most influential persons in the industry. As part of Intermarine in the early days of his career, Svend is now back onboard and brings valuable strategic insight and commercial experience to the table. Together this management trio will develop the Intermarine business moving forward.

Svend Andersen, Intermarine CEO, states: “The joining of Intermarine with the SAL organization is a perfect matching of two companies which share the same basic set of values and business philosophy yet with a different fleet of vessels, resources and outreach. In combination, it makes an unmatched setup in cross-Atlantic trading and intra-Americas heavy lift shipping. I have invested in this venture, as I see great prospects in bringing the Intermarine brand and business onwards under the helm and support by SAL Heavy Lift as a top brand in the heavy lift shipping industry.”

SAL sees great value in enlarging its footprint in the Americas by offering a wider range of shipping opportunities and scope of services to both existing and new customers. With the acquisition of Intermarine, SAL’s customers can benefit from more vessels being able to operate not only in and out of South America, but also into offsite river deltas, where SAL would otherwise have had limited access. Further, Intermarine customers will get access to the highly advanced heavy lift fleet of SAL, which, as the largest operator of +900t SWL vessels in the world, can efficiently connect cargo between Americas, Europe, Africa and Asia.

Richard Seeg, Intermarine President, says; “Having SAL as an organization behind the activities of Intermarine brings with it a wide range of commercial opportunities. SAL holds one of the most comprehensive sales networks globally, and they also bring vessels, world-class engineering capabilities and other resources that are extremely valuable to the commercial setup of Intermarine.”

Martin Harren, SAL CEO, adds; “We have for a while been looking at expanding our services in the Americas, and with Intermarine now being part of the SAL Group, we can enable further trade across the Atlantic, combining important trade between Africa, South America, North America and Europe. We could instantly see the great synergy effects between Intermarine and SAL. When we can combine our already strong sales setup in the USA with the know-how from resources like Richard Seeg, Chad Call, and lastly Svend Andersen, who I have known and worked with for many years, I see a very powerful setup unfold.”

The Intermarine fleet consists of multi-purpose heavy lift vessels that are IMO and Lakes fitted and with lifting capacities up to 400t SWL, which compliments well with SAL’s fleet of both ice class vessels, IMO fitted and Lakes fitted vessels, and vessels with lifting capacities up to 2000t. Together it makes a comprehensive fleet proposition for customers both inside and outside of the Americas.

The new business constellation begins commercial operation effective immediately.

About Intermarine

Intermarine, as agent for Industrial Maritime Carriers, LLC, is a leading provider of reliable liner services for the transport of project, breakbulk and heavy lift cargo in the Americas. From its US offices in Houston and New Orleans and a wide network of agency offices throughout the region, Intermarine provides weekly sailings to and from the US Gulf and Colombia, Trinidad, Guyana and Suriname with frequent regular sailings to Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America, Brazil, and the West Coast of South America. For more information please visit

www.intermarine.com.

About SAL Heavy Lift

SAL Heavy Lift, a member of the Harren & Partner Group, is one of the world’s leading carriers specialized in sea transport of heavy lift and project cargo. The modern fleet of heavy lift vessels offers highly flexible options to customers both within project shipping as well as in offshore projects. With travel speeds of up to 20 knots, up to 3500 square metres of unobstructed main deck space and combined crane capacities ranging from 550 to 2000 tons the fleet belongs to the most advanced in the heavy lift sector.

With the Type 183 fleet, equipped with dynamic position systems and an optional mountable Fly-Jib for greater crane outreach, SAL offers offshore services to multiple sectors. With the Type 171 and 116, SAL holds a fleet of heavy lift vessels with 1A ice class, capable of trading in arctic waters and northern sea route transits.

As a leading global company in the heavy lift and project cargo segment, SAL meets the highest standards with regard to quality, technical innovation, health, safety and environment. SAL’s latest investments in advanced hydrogen/methanol power generators, takes an industry leading step in applying green technology to its fleet. The global outreach of SAL is ensured via own sales offices and exclusive agents spread across more than 20 countries.

Hamburg, 10 March 2020

2019 proved to be an important year for SAL Heavy Lift when it came to offshore installation projects. As a highlight the Greater Changhua Test Pile Project in the waters off Taiwan stands out – a project SAL Heavy Lift completed over 3 months together with main contractor Per Aarsleff A/S. It was a complex project whereby SAL could utilize its experience in offshore test piling to ensure a successful project. Making use of MV Lone’s large deck space and a newly installed Fly-Jib, the vessel served as the perfect DP installation platform.

It was SAL’s track record in offshore test piling for offshore wind farms that secured the Greater Changhua Test Pile Project from the Danish engineering and construction house Per Aarsleff A/S. The Greater Changhua Offshore Windfarm is an offshore wind site in the Taiwan Strait ca. 50 km off the coast of Taiwan, which is being developed by Ørsted A/S the Danish utility giant and the holder of the largest offshore wind portfolio in the world. 

SAL was subcontracted for the provision of a DP2 installation vessel, the MV Lone, and to perform pile installation and testing work as part of the pre-piling phase of the project. As the soil of the seabed on the project site had to be ensured, a test foundation was installed on designated locations around the project site. In water depths of 35 m – 40 m, six piles with a length of up to 80m were hammered into the seabed though a special Pile Guide Frame.

To realize the project, a substantial preparation phase was set in motion which turned into the largest mobilization of a vessel in the history of SAL. To be able to lift the long piles vertically, a jib extension to one of the cranes of MV Lone had to be designed, manufactured, installed and tested. This resulted in the Fly-Jib installation on crane no. 2 on Lone which provides up to 23m extra jib length.

The vessel had to be equipped with Temporary Living Quarters (TLQs) and additional lifeboats to be able to host up to 100 people that would be onboard during the project execution. To operate as an offshore installation vessel with so many people on board, MV Lone had to also change its certification from cargo vessel to become a Special Purpose Ship (SPS).

The mobilization took place in Singapore during Spring 2019, where no less than 3 additional SAL vessels supplied the necessary project equipment from both Rotterdam, Shanghai and Esbjerg to the MV Lone. This included, in addition to the Fly-Jib and TLQs, the “Pile Guide Frame” and a special “Load Beam”, both designed and manufactured by Per Aarsleff A/S as well as various purpose built testing equipment, lifting- and handling equipment, the pile driving spread, survey equipment and the ROV spread. In the project port in Taichung, Taiwan six piles were collected, before locating the vessel to the offshore site.

The full test campaign comprised two phases with the tests being performed at two locations.

During the first phase between May and July 2019, two sets of three piles, with a unit weight of up to 140t each, were installed through the Pile Guide Frame at target locations to their required depths.

After a standby period, the second phase taking place during August 2019, involved static and dynamic testing on selected piles on the seabed. These tests provided the engineers from Ørsted with the necessary data to optimize pile design for the planned wind farm.

At the end of the project phase, the installed piles had to be decommissioned from the seabed, making use of a special cutting tool and then lifted back onto the deck of MV Lone transporting them back to shore for recycling.   

With a successful execution completed Project Manager, Peter Munk, Per Aarsleff A/S stated; “The crew of Lone and the SAL Project Team did an outstanding job. We are very impressed with the performance and the results we obtained. It has been a great pleasure to work with the SAL team on this challenging project. Arguably of more importance is the HSE performance which has been excellent”.

ENDS

A video promoting this project can be viewed HERE

About SAL Heavy Lift

SAL Heavy Lift, a member of the Harren & Partner Group, is one of the world’s leading carriers specialized in sea transport of heavy lift and project cargo. The modern fleet of heavy lift vessels offers highly flexible options to customers both within project shipping as well as in offshore projects. With travel speeds of up to 20 knots, up to 3500 square metres of unobstructed main deck space and combined crane capacities ranging from 550 to 2000 tons the fleet belongs to the most advanced in the heavy lift sector.

With the Type 183 fleet, equipped with dynamic position systems and an optional mountable Fly-Jib for greater crane outreach, SAL offers offshore services to multiple sectors. With the Type 171 and 116, SAL holds a fleet of heavy lift vessels with 1A ice class, capable of trading in arctic waters and northern sea route transits. 

As a leading global company in the heavy lift and project cargo segment, SAL meets the highest standards with regard to quality, technical innovation, health, safety and environment. SAL’s latest investments in advanced hydrogen/methanol power generators, takes an industry leading step in applying green technology to its fleet. The global outreach of SAL is ensured via own sales offices and exclusive agents spread across more than 20 countries.