SAL - Heavy-Lift Shipping and Project Cargo Transport Solutions for the Oil and Gas Industry

As the exclusive agent for a fleet of 16 modern heavy lift vessels, SAL provides efficient, reliable and cost-effective sea transportation solutions for oil and gas components. The highly complex transportation needs of the offshore industry are being accommodated by vessels that are characterized by their low draft, high speed, voluminous intake and lifting 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).

With a speed of 20 knots, the vessels under SAL agency are able to offer extremely short transit times which is imperative for time-sensitive cargo. Equipped with a combined crane capacity of up to 2,000mtons safe working load (SWL), the vessels are able to load a variety of oversized project cargoes including pipe lay towers, reels, buoys, drilling sections, jackets and modular structures. The new buildings are equipped with the Dynamic Positioning System, which gives the vessels the ability to perform complex offshore installations.

Heavy-lift shipping and project cargo transportation

Founded in 1980, SAL has emerged to one of the leading heavy lift carriers in the world. The company’s main office is located in Steinkirchen just outside of Hamburg, Germany. In addition, SAL has developed an extensive international network of subsidiary offices in Japan, China, the UK, Italy, Finland, France, Singapore, the US and Australia. Including the crew onboard the vessels, SAL today employees a team of more than 600.

SAL decided to further invest in innovative buildings and in December 2010 put the MV "Svenja" in service, followed by the MV "Lone" in March 2011. The sister vessels of type 183 are the largest and most modern heavy-lift ships in the world.

These vessels maintain the unrivalled speed of 20 knots and are equipped with two cranes of 1,000mt SWL each. The unprecedented lifting capacity of 2,000mt SWL, their crane outreach of 38m as well as their ability to trade with an open hatch make these vessels an important asset in the heavy-lift market.

To meet the growing complexity of offshore projects, including the oil and gas sector, the MV "Svenja" (DP1) and MV "Lone" (DP2) are equipped with the dynamic positioning system (DP).

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

Commitment to health, safety and environment (HSE)

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. The buildings of type 176 and 183 are equipped with an environmental passport which certifies that they comply with the highest environmental protection specifications. In addition, the ships are certified in accordance with ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001.

Innovative engineering solutions for complex offshore oil and gas projects

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 contract for the transport, loading and discharging of eight drilling templates for the Goliat offshore exploration project in Hammerfest, Norway.

In March 2011, SAL’s new building of type 183, MV "Svenja", loaded the first lot of four drilling templates in Egersund, Norway. The cargo consisted of two units of 311mt each, dimensions of 33.40m x 23.09m x 16.50m and another two units of 299mt each and dimensions of 33.40m x 23.09m x 13.50m. With its outstanding crane outreach of 38m, the new building was able to load the oversize cargo. The second shipment of the remaining four templates was completed in mid-April 2011.