Germany’s SAL Heavy Lift is expanding its fleet of deck carriers with two semi-submersible vessels MV Sun Shine and MV Sun Rise. These ships are expected to join the fleet between October 2025 and April 2026.
The future MV Luisa, formerly MV Sun Shine, and MV Alma, formerly MV Sun Rise, are named after the daughters of two SAL colleagues.
The move doubles SAL’s capacity in this highly specialised semi-submersible segment. Both vessels are intended for the transportation of floating cargo and support for large-scale offshore projects.
Together with the existing fleet, SAL Heavy Lift stated that it will be able to cover the full scope of multipurpose (MPP), heavy lift, and deck carrier operations.
Image credit: SAL Heavy Lift
Dr Martin Harren, CEO of the Harren Group and SAL Heavy Lift, said the addition strengthens the company’s ability to serve clients with the right vessel for every challenge.
“This expansion allows us to provide clients with the right vessel for every challenge – from MPP ships to large deck carriers – and deliver unmatched service across the industry,” he noted.
Technical specifications provided include the MV Luisa, built in 2008, with a deadweight of 17,113 t, a length of 174 m, deck dimensions of 148 × 48 m, and a speed of 11.5 knots. MV Alma, built in 2012, has a deadweight of 24,629 t, a length of 168.5 m, deck dimensions of 134 × 44 m, and a speed of 13 knots.
SAL Heavy Lift, which specialises in sea transport of heavy lift and project cargo, is part of the JSI Alliance.
