Ports.com

• Profile
• Send inquiry

Profile

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).
SAL decided to further invest in innovative shipbuilding and therefore two more new buildings have been ordered with delivery dates in 2010 and 2011. These vessels will maintain the unrivalled speed of 20kn and will be 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.
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.
In April 2007, SAL entered a joint venture with the "K" Line Group, headed by Kawasaki Kisen Kaisa, Tokyo. With a fleet totalling over 543 vessels, "K" Line is one of the leading shipping companies in the world.
The joint venture by these two shipping companies with their long histories will offer customers a wide variety of synergy effects. While SAL's strength lies in its extensive experience in heavy lift shipping, "K" Line's contribution emerges from its worldwide logistical network and its highly diversified fleet.
With a speed of 20kn, 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 1,400mt 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.
Dedicated to maintaining the highest standard of modern technology, SAL extended its fleet by four new heavy lift vessels in 2008 and 2009. While maintaining the current service speed of 20k, these new buildings are equipped with a combined crane capacity of 1,400mt SWL allowing for the loading of heavy and complex units. Due to the extension of deck space above the gang board, the new buildings now measure an open weather deck of 128m x 24m. All vessels will have the capacity to operate as open hatch/top vessel to accommodate oversized cargo. 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 remote operated vessels (ROVs) are in the planning process.