Transport communications

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SAL Unites Its Ocean Services Under One Brand – Delivering on aNew Promise: Moving What Matters

November 4, 2025 by

SAL Heavy Lift and Intermarine, the heavy lift and multipurpose carriers of the Harren Group, today announced a streamlined ocean services portfolio designed to give customers seamless access to the services they need, wherever they operate. The new SAL operates a fleet of around 80 vessels worldwide, giving customers unmatched access to heavy lift and multipurpose shipping capacity.

From dependable liner services in the Americas to global tramp, offshore, and ultra heavy lift projects, the Group’s new structure simplifies access and improves transparency across its global operations – uniting all services under one integrated team and a shared promise: Moving What Matters.

Under this alignment, SAL Heavy Lift, SAL Engineering, SAL Offshore, Intermarine, and Intermarine Bulk Carriers are now unified under the umbrella brand SAL. Intermarine becomes SAL Intermarine, while SAL Engineering continues as the Group’s dedicated in-house engineering unit. Together, they form a connected system built to ensure safe, on-time delivery of complex cargo.

This new, consolidated structure marks SAL’s evolution from a traditional heavy lift operator into a versatile multipurpose carrier – combining world-class heavy lift expertise with an expanded portfolio of maritime logistics solutions for cargo of all sizes.

Dr. Martin Harren, CEO of SAL and Harren Group, said: “Our customers face very different transport challenges. Some need scheduled liner reliability in the Americas, others global tramp flexibility or ultra heavy lift execution. By clearly structuring our services across SAL, SAL Intermarine, and SAL Engineering, we reduce complexity and ensure seamless service. Customers gain direct access to the right ships, skills, and speed – every time.”

SAL’s new structure unites its global services under one integrated brand:

  • SAL leads global operations, specializing in heavy lift, ultra heavy lift, multipurpose, offshore, and bulk transport. It combines deep technical expertise with a growing, efficient fleet and a proven track record in complex, high-value cargo handling.
  • SAL Intermarine focuses on dependable liner services in the Americas – offering regular routes across the Gulf, Atlantic, Caribbean, and Latin American markets, blending predictable schedules with agile, time-sensitive solutions for specialized and breakbulk cargo.
  • SAL Engineering provides integrated project engineering – from feasibility studies and lifting plans to seafastening design and on-site supervision – de-risking complex transports end to end.

With a fleet of 80 vessels in operation and commercial management, SAL provides the expertise, clarity, and capacity to keep complex supply chains moving with speed, reliability, and cost efficiency.

Recent fleet additions – including the newbuild Orca Class heavy lift vessels, F700, F500, F360, and
D-Type ships – demonstrate the Group’s commitment to heavy lift and multipurpose shipping. Continued investments in deck carriers and an expanding bulk fleet will further broaden the company’s global logistics capabilities.

As a member of the JSI Alliance, SAL delivers coordinated global project coverage through trusted partners and access to high-spec tonnage.

Dr. Harren commented on SAL Intermarine’s new focus: “This evolution is about clarity and connection. Intermarine has always been rooted in reliability and relationships across the Americas. By becoming SAL Intermarine, we keep that spirit alive – while gaining the strength, scale, and resources of a truly global brand. Our customers can expect the same trusted team and service, now backed by even broader capabilities and reach.”

From modern heavy lift tonnage to digital planning tools and progressive safety practices, SAL continues to invest in innovation, reliability, and sustainability – building on its maritime heritage while shaping a forward-looking future, ready to keep Moving What Matters.

About SAL:
SAL is one of the world’s leading carriers, specializing in the maritime transport of heavy lift and project cargo. Operating a modern fleet of specialized vessels, SAL provides highly flexible services for project and multipurpose shipping, liner services, bulk solutions, and offshore operations.

The fleet offers service speeds of up to 20 knots, dynamic positioning systems, Fly-Jib capability, a 1A Ice Class rating, up to 7,500 square meters of unobstructed main deck space, and combined crane capacities of up to 2,000 tonnes – making it one of the most advanced fleets in the heavy lift sector.

Together with SAL Intermarine, SAL operates around 80 multipurpose and ultra heavy lift vessels, employing more than 1,200 people worldwide and maintaining a strong international presence with 27 offices across 23 countries. These capabilities enable SAL to deliver comprehensive global heavy lift and project cargo services.

As a member of the Harren Group, SAL upholds the highest standards of quality, technical innovation, health, safety, and environmental performance. Its latest investment in the Orca Class newbuilding programme sets new benchmarks for green technologies within the maritime industry.

Together with Jumbo Shipping, SAL and SAL Intermarine operate the marketing platform JSI Alliance, further strengthening their position in the market. The JSI Alliance fleet includes approximately 90 multipurpose, heavy lift, and offshore vessels.

Filed Under: Harren & Partner, Intermarine, SAL Heavy Lift

New ICHCA Member Strata Worldwide is a Leader in Port Safety

October 27, 2025 by

Specialist in the use of smart technologies, including remote sensors and monitoring becomes a part of ICHCA bringing another innovator into the cargo handling community which is dedicated to safety in the port working environment 

27th October, 2025

As both ICHCA and Strata understand the complexity of operating in a modern, fast-moving cargo handling environment their aims align when it comes to safeguarding workers in the sector and maintaining productivity.  So the latest membership addition to the association is welcomed by the former and valued by the latter.

Speaking on behalf Strata Worldwide, Adam Beauchamp, the head of the company’s maritime division commented, “Strata’s role is to protect workers involved with the operation of heavy machinery across a number of industry sectors.  Within the global port environment, we deploy an artificial intelligence-based machine vision system to provide proactive accident prevention with early danger detection and warning.  Such dependable monitoring enhances safety and ensures optimum productivity. We see engagement with ICHCA members, and its influence across the industry and regulatory regimes as ideal in helping to perfect Strata’s future enhanced offerings.”

In welcoming Strata to his organisation, ICHCA’s Richard Steele said, “ICHCA is committed to a mission to improve the safe working environment of all those handling cargo throughout the international maritime supply chain.  All involved in this pursuit are welcomed to help share innovation, knowledge, experience and best practice.  We are seeing increased participation in the safety arena from organisations employing powerful new technologies such as remote monitoring, data analysis and predictive solutions.  In this regard we are particular pleased that Strata has joined us to add its expertise to our communal efforts.”

Notes to Editors:

About ICHCA International

Established in 1952, ICHCA International is an independent, not-for-profit organisation dedicated to improving the safety, productivity and efficiency of cargo handling and movement worldwide. ICHCA’s privileged NGO status enables it to represent its members, and the cargo handling industry at large, in front of national and international agencies and regulatory bodies, while its Technical Panel provides best practice advice and develops publications on a wide range of practical cargo handling issues.

Operating through a series of national and regional chapters, including ICHCA Australia, ICHCA Japan and plus Correspondence and Working Groups, ICHCA provides a focal point for informing, educating, lobbying and networking to improve knowledge and best practice across the cargo handling chain.

www.ichca.com

About Strata Worldwide   

For over 30 years, Strata Worldwide has been a global leader in industrial safety. The company is dedicated to protecting workers in the mining, tunnelling, and maritime port industries. Strata offers a comprehensive range of advanced safety and networking technologies. Committed to staying at the forefront of technology, the company continuously enhances its product lines and partners with leading technology providers to ensure that customers have access to the most advanced safety tools available.

Founded in 1992 and headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, Strata has facilities in Europe, Australia, and South Africa and serves operations across six continents and various industries. Strata Worldwide is focused on innovation, reliability, customer support, and upholding global safety standards.

Filed Under: ICHCA

New Chair Announced for Cargo Handling Industry Body

October 20, 2025 by

International Cargo Handling Association (ICHCA) has a new chair. Australian Scott McKay has been elected, effective 30 September.  

With members from the port, terminal, shipping and cargo handling community throughout the world, ICHCA remains committed to improve the safe working environment of all those handling cargo throughout the international maritime supply chain.

The appointment of McKay, a veteran with nearly forty years experience of supply chain management is seen as reinforcing that mission, particularly regarding the Association’s attempts to disseminate safety performance data and innovations to cargo handlers and the broader industry.  McKay commented, “I see that ICHCA has a fantastic opportunity to further develop gathering, analysing and sharing safety data and best practice to help improve safety decisions and cultural change along and across the cargo supply chain.”

McKay joined a state chapter of ICHCA Australia seven years ago.  He was appointed Chair and became a member of the international board in November 2023. Formerly a chartered accountant at KPMG and a principal at Aurecon a design and delivery global infrastructure consultancy, he has vast experience in the supply chain industry, including senior roles in Europe, Asia and Australia as CEO in warehousing and road transport, container rail and intermodal and bulk ports operations.

Currently, as founder and chief executive of Flywheel Advisory, he helps organizations and businesses using supply chain as a differentiator to drive profitability and service levels. He is also CEO of T Ports, a bulk grain handler that develops and operates bulk ports and transhipping operations for global grain traders in Australia. T Ports provides innovative solutions for bringing deep seaports closer to the grain grower.

McKay replaces John Beckett who steps down as Chair after 18 years of service, including eight as Chair. “I believe Scott is a highly appropriate professional to be taking on the role of ICHCA Chair. He inherits a membership which is growing rapidly and has diverse members of all sizes and nationalities that share a common goal to maintain, and where possible improve safety regimes for all operators in the industry.  I wish him and the ICHCA community every success in the future.”

About ICHCA International

Established in 1952, ICHCA International is an independent, not-for-profit organisation dedicated to improving the safety, productivity and efficiency of cargo handling and movement worldwide. ICHCA’s privileged NGO status enables it to represent its members, and the cargo handling industry at large, in front of national and international agencies and regulatory bodies, while its Technical Panel provides best practice advice and develops publications on a wide range of practical cargo handling issues.


Operating through a series of national and regional chapters, including ICHCA Australia, ICHCA Japan and plus Correspondence and Working Groups, ICHCA provides a focal point for informing, educating, lobbying and networking to improve knowledge and best practice across the cargo handling chain.

www.ichca.com

Filed Under: ICHCA

“K” LINE Carried Out Emergency Response Exercise

October 14, 2025 by

On October 8th, 2025, Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (“K” LINE) carried out “the Emergency Response Exercise” as a part of training to optimally prepare for any major maritime accidents. The scenario of the exercise developed assuming that an LPG carrier owned by “K” LINE group collided with a tanker while navigating in Osaka Bay. It confirmed a series of emergency response process by setting crisis-management headquarters upon receiving an incident report, establishing communication channel with the ship management company and conducting a mock press conference at the end of the exercise. During the press conference, journalists asked many questions, creating a tense atmosphere to a real conference.

While growing interest in safety and environmental protection over the world, “K” LINE Group positions the safe operation of vessels as the top priority in fulfilling its social responsibility as a shipping company. Moving forward, it will continue to contribute to society by preparing for unforeseen circumstances through large-scale accident response drills and by ensuring daily safe operations of its vessels.

Filed Under: "K" Line

GEODIS Celebrates 500th Dedicated Freighter Flight from Asia to Mexico

October 10, 2025 by

GEODIS, a leading global logistics provider, today announced a significant milestone for its dedicated freighter network, celebrating the 500th successful flight on its route from Asia to Guadalajara, Mexico. Through a long-term partnership with Atlas Air, the leading global provider of outsourced aviation logistics solutions, GEODIS has established a service with proven safety, consistency and reliability. This achievement highlights the service’s success in providing secured capacity, reduced lead times and end-to-end reliability, solidifying it as a foundational element of GEODIS’ regional strategy and a critical component of its customers’ supply chains.

Credit @ GEODIS Mexico
Caption L to R:  First Row: Ivonne Mendoza (Country Business Development Manager); Miguel Muñoz (Managing Director); Carmen Pomar (Customer Retention & Operations Manager); Juan Carlos Anzelmetti (National Sales & Marketing Director)

Launched in 2019, the dedicated freighter service was designed to provide a consistent and secured cargo solution from Asia to Mexico. The service operates two weekly flights, one each from Shanghai and Hong Kong, China, directly to Guadalajara. Demonstrating the resilience of this route, and the commitment to its clients,  GEODIS has maintained the service through the unpredictable COVID-19 pandemic as well as the recent geopolitical disruptions to worldwide supply chains.

“Reaching 500 flights is an incredible achievement and proves our unwavering commitment to our customers in Mexico and the Latin American region,” said Miguel Muñoz, Managing Director at GEODIS in Mexico. “This milestone is a clear signal that GEODIS Mexico has strengthened its position in the local market, and it would not have been possible without the great collaboration between our teams in Mexico and Asia as well as our corporate headquarters in Paris and our regional headquarters in the U.S. We look forward to building on this momentum and are committed to reaching the 1,000-flight mark, continuing to serve as a growth partner for our customers.”

A Seamless End-to-End Solution:

The dedicated freighter service offers an integrated, end-to-end solution for customers. This 500-flight milestone reinforces Mexico’s position as a strategic gateway for GEODIS, strengthening logistics links between Asia and South America. This reflects GEODIS’ Air Freight vision to deliver innovative, flexible and high-quality solutions that connect global markets and support customers’ growth. While flights from Shanghai and Hong Kong land in Guadalajara, the service is complemented by a robust intra-Mexico ground network, providing daily scheduled deliveries to major cities including Mexico City and Monterrey. For added flexibility, shipments can either clear customs directly in Guadalajara or be moved bonded to their final destination before clearing. This seamless air-to-ground connectivity ensures the speed and reliability of the flights are maintained throughout the supply chain.

The 500th flight was celebrated with a ceremony at the Guadalajara airport upon the flight’s arrival, which included a ribbon cutting with GEODIS leaders and the unveiling of a commemorative plaque.

To learn more, visit www.geodis.com.

GEODIS – www.geodis.com

GEODIS is a leading global logistics provider acknowledged for its expertise across all aspects of the supply chain. As a growth partner to its clients, GEODIS specializes in four lines of business: Global Freight Forwarding, Global Contract Logistics, Distribution & Express Transport, and European Road Network. The Group operates a global network spanning nearly 170 countries and 50,000 employees. In 2024, GEODIS generated €11.3 billion in revenue. GEODIS is a company owned by SNCF group. 

Filed Under: GEODIS

GEODIS Strengthens its Ambitions in the Aerospace and Defense Sectors

October 2, 2025 by

In response to the rapid changes taking place in the international environment and growing logistics needs in the aerospace and defense sectors, GEODIS is accelerating its development in these strategic markets. The Group remains firmly committed to becoming the partner of choice for industrial and institutional players in the sector. To support this ambition, Brigadier General Arnaud Weixler (Ret.) will head GEODIS’s operations in the aerospace and defense sectors.

In a rapidly changing geopolitical and international environment, GEODIS is developing its aerospace and defense business. The Group is seeking to establish a long-term presence in these sectors and become a key player, notably by supporting the growing needs of France’s Defense Industrial and Technological Base (BITD). The modernization of military equipment and the accelerated renewal of army hardware are driving rapid growth in the aerospace and defense markets.

Resulting from the substantial growth in defense and security budgets, increasingly complex and strategic logistics presents challenges that GEODIS is well positioned to address. GEODIS already supports numerous aerospace and defense leaders, providing them with its full range of expertise. With its strong local and international presence, the Group meets a wide range of demanding requirements, including Aircraft on Ground (AOG) logistics requiring the rapid delivery of essential parts and services, oversized special transportation, high value-added warehousing and secure supply chain management.

One of GEODIS’s principal references is KNDS, for which it inaugurated a state-of-the-art automated logistics facility in Montbeugny, central France, in 2023, illustrating the Group’s ability to support the leading players in the sector with innovative and high-performance solutions.

With the aim of achieving these ambitions, the aerospace and defense sectors will now be directed by Brigadier General Arnaud Weixler, whose international expertise and in-depth knowledge of the challenges faced by the sector will be valuable assets for GEODIS. He attended the 121st session of the NATO Defense College and has held senior positions within NATO and the French Army. He has also planned and led numerous logistics operations at home and abroad, working closely with industry as well as relevant private and public entities.

GEODIS – www.geodis.com

GEODIS is a leading global logistics provider acknowledged for its expertise across all aspects of the supply chain. As a growth partner to its clients, GEODIS specializes in four lines of business: Global Freight Forwarding, Global Contract Logistics, Distribution & Express Transport, and European Road Network. The Group operates a global network spanning nearly 170 countries and 50,000 employees. In 2024, GEODIS generated €11.3 billion in revenue. GEODIS is a company owned by SNCF group.

Filed Under: GEODIS

GEODIS and Hapag-Lloyd strengthen their digital collaboration with the deployment of a real-time solution for integrating their rates.

September 23, 2025 by

GEODIS, a global leader in transport and logistics, and Hapag-Lloyd, one of the world’s leading container shipping companies, announce a significant milestone in their joint digital integration, aimed at accelerating and securing the exchange of rates and service data between their two organizations.

Photo Credit : Hapag-Lloyd

At the core of this collaboration is a Contract API (Application Programming Interface) — a direct, system-to-system digital connection between Hapag-Lloyd’s pricing platform and GEODIS’ global rate database. This interface enables the fully automated and real-time transmission of contracted rates, surcharges, transit times, and service options.

Thanks to this new integration, GEODIS now benefits from instant access to over 75% more Hapag-Lloyd rates than before, significantly reducing manual input and improving operational accuracy. The transition from a processing time of up to five days to instant rate availability marks a major improvement in responsiveness and efficiency across the supply chain.

Commenting on this development, Jan Naumann, Head of Export Trade Europe, Global Ocean Freight at GEODIS, said: “This implementation is more than a technical success: it demonstrates how digital collaboration benefits our customers. We provide them with faster and more accurate data flows, as well as smoother operations, while enhancing our efficiency and responsiveness. It also reflects our shared ambition with Hapag-Lloyd to develop smarter, faster, and more transparent logistics processes through digital innovation.”

Arne Zass, Director Digital Transformation & Automation at Hapag-Lloyd added: “Hapag-Lloyd is delighted to recognize the GEODIS team for their outstanding collaboration on our recent API integration. Their fast execution, expertise, and visionary approach to digitalization have set a new standard for seamless connectivity and customer experience. We truly appreciate the commitment and positive energy the GEODIS team brings to advancing innovative and sustainable logistics solutions together.”

GEODIS – www.geodis.com

GEODIS is a leading global logistics provider acknowledged for its expertise across all aspects of the supply chain. As a growth partner to its clients, GEODIS specializes in four lines of business: Global Freight Forwarding, Global Contract Logistics, Distribution & Express Transport, and European Road Network. The Group operates a global network spanning nearly 170 countries and 50,000 employees. In 2024, GEODIS generated €11.3 billion in revenue. GEODIS is a company owned by SNCF group.

GEODIS und Hapag-Lloyd verstärken ihre digitale Zusammenarbeit durch die Einführung einer Echtzeitlösung zur Integration ihrer Tarife

GEODIS, ein weltweit führendes Unternehmen im Bereich Transport und Logistik, und Hapag-Lloyd, eine der global führenden Container-Reedereien, informieren über einen bedeutenden Fortschritt bei der gemeinsamen digitalen Integration. Das Ziel besteht darin, den Austausch von Tarifen und Servicedaten zwischen den beiden Unternehmen zu beschleunigen und sicher zu gestalten.

Das zentrale Element der Kooperation ist eine Contract-API (Application Programming Interface), die als direkte digitale Verbindung zwischen der Preisplattform von Hapag-Lloyd und der globalen Tarifdatenbank von GEODIS dient. Diese Schnittstelle ermöglicht in Echtzeit die vollautomatische Übertragung von Vertragstarifen, Zuschlägen, Transitzeiten und Serviceoptionen.

Dank dieser neuen Integration profitiert GEODIS nun von einem Zugriff in Echtzeit auf über 75 % mehr Hapag-Lloyd-Tarife als zuvor. Dadurch werden manuelle Eingaben erheblich reduziert und die betriebliche Genauigkeit verbessert. Der Übergang von einer Bearbeitungszeit von bis zu fünf Tagen hin zur sofortigen Verfügbarkeit der Tarife stellt eine bedeutende Verbesserung der Reaktionsfähigkeit und Effizienz entlang der gesamten Lieferkette dar.

Jan Naumann, Head of Export Trade Europe, Global Ocean Freight, bei GEODIS, kommentiert diese Entwicklung wie folgt: „Die Implementierung ist mehr als nur ein technischer Erfolg. Sie verdeutlicht, wie unsere Kunden von der digitalen Zusammenarbeit profitieren. Wir bieten ihnen schnellere und genauere Datentransfers sowie optimierte Abläufe und verbessern gleichzeitig unsere Effizienz und Reaktionsfähigkeit. Das spiegelt auch unser gemeinsames Ziel wider, mit Hapag-Lloyd durch digitale Innovationen intelligentere, schnellere und transparentere Logistikprozesse zu entwickeln.“

Arne Zass, Director Digital Transformation & Automation, bei Hapag-Lloyd, ergänzt: „Wir freuen uns über die Fortschritte, die im Rahmen dieser Partnerschaft erzielt wurden, und sind mit dem Ergebnis äußerst zufrieden. Die erfolgreiche Implementierung dieser API-Lösung unterstreicht unser gemeinsames Engagement für gegenseitiges Wachstum mit unserem strategischen Partner GEODIS. Sie stärkt zudem die Integration und führt letztlich zu einer Vereinfachung der Geschäftsabläufe.“

GEODIS – www.geodis.com    

GEODIS ist einer der weltweit führenden Logistikdienstleister, bekannt für seine Expertise in allen Bereichen der Lieferkette. Als Wachstumspartner seiner Kunden hat sich GEODIS auf vier Geschäftsbereiche spezialisiert: Global Freight Forwarding, Global Contract Logistics, Distribution & Express Transport und European Road Network. Sein globales Netzwerk mit ca. 50.000 Mitarbeitern erstreckt sich über 170 Länder. 2024 erwirtschaftete GEODIS einen Umsatz von 11,3 Milliarden Euro. GEODIS ist ein Unternehmen der SNCF-Gruppe.

Filed Under: GEODIS

Two More Deck Carriers: SAL Heavy Lift Expands Fleet with Semi-Submersible Vessels MV Sun Shine and MV Sun Rise

September 23, 2025 by

SAL Heavy Lift is pleased to announce a further expansion of its deck carrier fleet. The German heavy lift and engineering specialist has acquired two semi-submersible deck carriers, MV Sun Shine and MV Sun Rise, from former owner Pan Ocean (Korea). Both vessels are scheduled for delivery in Europe between October 2025 and April 2026 and will be commercially operated as part of the JSI Alliance.

This step follows SAL Heavy Lift’s successful long-term charter of the semi-submersible deck carriers MV Zhong Ren 121 and MV Zhong Ren 122 in 2023. With the new acquisitions, SAL is doubling its capacity in this specialised segment.

“We’ve listened closely to our clients during the operation of the Zhong Ren vessels and recognised a growing demand for additional tonnage and greater operational flexibility,” says Matthieu Moerman, Director Renewables & Offshore at the JSI Alliance. “With four vessels now in this segment, we can offer our clients even more robust services and tailored solutions for large-scale and complex projects. Notably, MV Sun Shine is among the few deck carriers worldwide built outside China, giving us greater flexibility regarding tariffs and trade regulations.”

Key features of MV Sun Shine:

  • Built in Korea, 2008
  • Deadweight tonnage (DWT): 17,113 t
  • Deck size: 148 x 48 m
  • Semi-submersible capabilities for transporting floating cargo
  • Maximum submerged deck draught: 7.05 m
  • Uniform deck strength: 18 t/m²
  • Average service speed: 9 knots
  • Fully equipped for worldwide operations

Key features of MV Sun Rise:

  • Built in China, 2012
  • Deadweight tonnage (DWT): 24,629 t
  • Deck size: 134 x 44 m
  • Semi-submersible capabilities for floating cargo transport
  • Maximum submerged deck draught: 7.5 m
  • Uniform deck strength: 20 t/m²
  • Average service speed: 9.5 knots
  • Fully equipped for worldwide operations

Following the takeover, the ships will be renamed MV Luisa (Sun Shine) and MV Alma (Sun Rise), named after the daughters of two Harren Group colleagues.

Dr Martin Harren, CEO of the Harren Group and SAL Heavy Lift, elaborates on the strategic intent behind the fleet expansion: “These two vessels are of significant importance to our group. They enable us to broaden our service spectrum – from smaller MPP vessels with lifting capacities of 300 t and 7,700 DWT to large semi-submersible deck carriers with almost 25,000 DWT. This puts us in a position to cover the entire scope of the MPP and heavy lift sector and to provide our clients with the right tonnage from the most capable fleet in the world.”

SAL Heavy Lift is not only strengthening its fleet in the deck carrier segment: to meet the growing demand in this highly specialised market, the company will also expand its sales, engineering, and operations teams in Hamburg, Rotterdam, and Singapore.

About SAL Heavy Lift:
SAL Heavy Lift is one of the world’s leading carriers, specialising in the maritime transport of heavy lift and project cargo. Operating a modern fleet of specialised vessels, SAL Heavy Lift provides highly flexible solutions for both project shipping and offshore operations.

The fleet features service speeds of up to 20 knots, dynamic positioning systems, Fly-Jib capability, 1A ice class rating, up to 3,500 square metres of unobstructed main deck space, and combined crane capacities ranging from 550 to 2,000 tonnes, making it one of the most advanced in the heavy lift sector.

Together with Intermarine, SAL Heavy Lift operates approximately 75 MPP and super heavy lift vessels (as of mid-2026), employing more than 1,200 people worldwide and maintaining a strong international presence with 27 offices across 23 countries. These capabilities enable SAL Heavy Lift to deliver comprehensive global heavy lift and project cargo services.

As a member of the Harren Group, SAL Heavy Lift upholds the highest standards of quality, technical innovation, health, safety, and environmental performance. Its latest investment in the Orca Class newbuilding programme sets new standards in the adoption of green technologies within the maritime industry.

In partnership with Jumbo Shipping, SAL Heavy Lift and Intermarine jointly operate the marketing platform JSI Alliance, further strengthening their position in the market. The JSI Alliance fleet comprises around 85 MPP, heavy lift and offshore vessels.

Filed Under: Harren & Partner

“K” Line : SEAGATE CORPORATION Concludes Agreement on Construction of Electric Tugboat

September 17, 2025 by

SEAGATE CORPORATION CO., LTD. (SGC), a consolidated subsidiary of Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (“K” LINE), officially concluded an agreement today with Kanagawa Dockyard Co., Ltd. (Kanagawa Dockyard) on the construction of an electric tugboat (EV tug, with EV standing for electric vessel) powered by a large-capacity lithium-ion battery.

SGC has discussed the detailed design of the tugboat with Kanagawa Dockyard and equipment manufacturers in accordance with the hybrid EV tug construction plan*1 announced in July 2022. The anticipated specifications have recently been achieved due to the downsizing of the tugboat’s equipment and the improvement of maintenance performance resulting from introduction of a newly developed domestic technology, leading to the construction agreement with Kanagawa Dockyard.

The tugboat will have a hybrid EV system incorporating many new technologies which have not previously been used in domestic tugboats into its drive motors, swing devices, current control systems and other components. It is equipped with a power generator to be used when the battery does not have enough remaining electricity during the operation of the electric propulsion system which is primarily powered by the lithium-ion battery. This significantly reduces the consumption of fossil fuels and the amount of carbon dioxide emissions compared to tugboats equipped with conventional main engines fueled by heavy oil. The project is highly regarded for its innovative technologies, leading to the decision to choose it to be a demonstration project linked to the 2025 subsidy for the rationalization of energy consumption and the shift to non-fossil energy in the transportation sector (a project promoting the innovative streamlining of coastal shipping and the shift to non-fossil sources of energy), provided by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism. The project will proactively seek to achieve the decarbonization of the coastal ship industry.

The tugboat is scheduled for completion in the latter half of 2027 and will be deployed at the Port of Tokuyama-Kudamatsu in Yamaguchi prefecture, which seeks to become the hub for the supply of clean energy as it sits in front of one of West Japan’s largest chemical complexes. The tugboat will facilitate the arrival and departure of ships at the port, and it will also engage in security operations, contributing to the establishment of a carbon neutral port (CNP).

The “K” LINE Group develops and operates the DRIVE GREEN NETWORK system for promoting the Group’s environmental management activities in line with its long-term environmental policy, “K” LINE Environmental Vision 2050: Blue Seas for the Future.*2 The Group as a whole works together to protect the environment. The “K” LINE Group will continue to support the decarbonization of society and contribute to the enrichment of people’s lives.

(*1) SGC Hybrid EV Tug Construction Plan (announced in July 2022)

https://www.kline.co.jp/en/news/csr/csr-20200722.html

(*2) “K” LINE Environmental Vision 2050: Blue Seas for the Future

As part of our action plan to reduce GHG, we are engaged in a number of initiatives, for instance introducing zero-emission fuels such as ammonia and hydrogen fuels, and carbon-neutral fuels such as bio-LNG and synthetic fuels.https://www.kline.co.jp/en/sustainability/environment/management.html

Filed Under: "K" Line

GEODIS Appointments

September 17, 2025 by

Marie-Christine Lombard, CEO of GEODIS, has appointed Amaury Valicon, Executive Vice President Europe effective November 1st. He replaces in this role Thomas Kraus.

Since joining GEODIS in 2017, Amaury Valicon has served as Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operations Officer. He will continue to report directly to Marie-Christine Lombard and remain a member of the COMEX.

Amaury Valicon

Marc Meier, with over 30 years of international experience (DACHSER, Senator International, Fr. Meyer’s Sohn, Kühne+Nagel), becomes Managing Director Germany-Austria-Switzerland on October 1st.

Maurizio Bortolan, former executive at BRT (Geopost), MAERSK and Number 1, takes over as Managing Director Italy on October 1st.

Marc Meier and Maurizio Bortolan will report to Amaury Valicon. These appointments strengthen GEODIS’ European leadership and support its growth ambition.

GEODIS – www.geodis.com

GEODIS is a leading global logistics provider acknowledged for its expertise across all aspects of the supply chain. As a growth partner to its clients, GEODIS specializes in four lines of business: Global Freight Forwarding, Global Contract Logistics, Distribution & Express Transport, and European Road Network. The Group operates a global network spanning nearly 170 countries and 50,000 employees. In 2024, GEODIS generated €11.3 billion in revenue. GEODIS is a company owned by SNCF group.

Filed Under: GEODIS
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