The first of five Orca heavy lift vessels, Elise, was launched at Wuhu shipyard in early August 2024. The Orca project, a collaboration between Harren Group and SAL Heavy Lift, represents a significant advancement in the field of heavy-lift shipping.
The initiative focuses on developing a new generation of ultra-efficient, environmentally friendly vessels known as the Orca Class. These ships are designed to set new standards in terms of emissions and technical capabilities, making them some of the most advanced heavy-lift vessels in the world¹.
The Orca Class vessels are equipped with hybrid drive systems and are methanol-ready, allowing for reduced emissions and a smaller environmental footprint. They feature two fully electric cranes with a combined lifting capacity of 1,600 tonnes, making them ideal for handling large and heavy cargoes, such as offshore wind turbine components.
The ships are also designed with a high freeboard and forward deck house, providing excellent sea-keeping behaviour and safety for cargo.
The first two Orca class ships will be delivered during the second half of 2024 will be dedicated to transporting offshore wind turbine components for Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy. Two additional sister vessels will enter the premium heavy-lift shipping market in 2025, serving clients of the Jumbo-SAL-Alliance.
