SAL - Heavy-Lift Shipping and Project Cargo Transport Solutions For The Oil and Gas Industry

As the exclusive agent for a fleet of 14 modern heavy lift vessels, SAL provides efficient, reliable and cost-effective sea transportation solutions for oil and gas equipment. The highly complex transportation needs of the offshore industry are being accommodated by vessels that are characterised by their low draft, high speed and voluminous intake capacity.

Equipped with on-board cranes and cargo-handling equipment, all vessels are designed to visit both remote ports and oil fields around the world. With their modern gear, the vessels can operate as Heavy-Lift Installation Vessels (HLIV) and platform transportation vessels (PTVs). Committed to maintaining the highest standard of modern technology, carriers have completed the design phase for four new vessels with a lifting capacity of up to 1,500t that will enter the market in 2008.

THE FLEET - HEAVY-LIFT SHIPPING AND PROJECT CARGO TRANSPORT

The main SAL office is located in Germany from where it has represented more than 40 modern geared vessels since 1980. SAL also maintains a worldwide network of agents, engineers and representative offices that ensure the efficiency of local cargo handling operations.

With a speed of 20 knots, the vessels under SAL agency are able to offer extremely short transit times, imperative for time-sensitive cargo. Equipped with a combined crane capacity of up to 770t safe working load (SWL), the vessels are able to load a variety of oversized project cargoes including reels, buoys, drilling rig sections, jackets and modular structures. Apart from the actual sea transportation the vessels further have the ability to perform the installation of jackets, platforms and topsides.

CUSTOM-MADE OFFSHORE SOLUTIONS FROM THE IN-HOUSE ENGINEERING DIVISION

To accommodate the individual needs of its clients, SAL has launched an in-house engineering division that offers custom-made solutions for (offshore) oil and gas projects including:

• Complete analysis of HLIV load-out, transportation and mooring operations
• Analysis of offshore operational requirements
• Planning of load-outs, lift-offs, upending of jackets and positioning with own cranes
• Cribbing and lashing designs
• Calculation of wave loads and motion analysis
• Mooring analysis and calculations of anchor designs on field
• Structural design verifications for sea transport with own HLIV
• Analysis of mating activities and load transfers

HEALTH, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENT (HSE) AND RISK ASSESSMENT

Given the complex and at times hazardous environment of many (offshore) oil and gas projects, carriers are committed to a comprehensive approach to Health, Safety and Environmental (HSE) management. In May 2006, SAL has been certified by Det Norske Veritas (DNV) for ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001 – the highest certification standards obtainable in respect of procedures for health, safety and environmental protection. Also in the process of certification are the vessels under SAL agency, making them the first heavy-lift ships in the market with a distinct HSE certification.

INNOVATIVE ENGINEERING TO SERVE THE OIL AND GAS INDUSTRY

Over the years, SAL has developed an extensive portfolio of transportation projects for the offshore oil and gas industry. Its commitment to safety, modern technology and cost efficiency were key reasons for SAL's latest nomination by Technip to design and execute a unique transportation concept for a 420-ton steel jacket and an offshore wellhead platform. The installation of this jacket and platform in the Taranaki Basin off New Zealand for the Pohukura gas field was a complex process that required a complete transport analysis and offshore operation procedures.

Continuing to respond to expectations in the market, carriers are preparing themselves for the delivery of four new heavy lift vessels in 2008. Each of the vessels will have two 700mt SWL portside cranes and one 350t SWL starboard crane with a combined capacity of up to 1500mt SWL. As with the current fleet, all new vessels will maintain a high service speed of 20 knots. In addition, their flexible design will easily prepare all vessels for the introduction of Dynamic Positioning System (DP 2). All new vessels will accommodate the transportation needs for the oil and gas industry and with its environmental passport further expand carrier's commitment to HSE.

Amongst the technical innovations that SAL is currently working on is the development developing mechanisms that allow the vessels to conduct offshore lifts and offshore field location. As a particular innovation, subsea liftoffs and subsea handshakes with construction vessels or ROVs (Remote Operated Vessel) are in the planning process.