SAL Heavy Lift is pleased to announce another pioneering addition to its fleet: The German heavy lift and engineering expert is chartering the two top modern semi-submersible deck carriers “Zhong Ren 121” and “Zhong Ren 122” on a long-term basis together with its partner Shanghai Salvage (China). Both ships will be delivered in Shanghai between December 2023 and February 2024 and marketed through the Jumbo-SAL-Alliance.

“We don’t use the term ‘milestone’ lightly – but, in this case, it’s more than appropriate. This project is extremely important to us as a group, both commercially and strategically,” says Dr Martin Harren, CEO of SAL Heavy Lift and the Harren Group. “Our combined MPP and heavy lift fleet, which currently comprises 54 units, is one of the world’s leading fleets. We offer our customers the most powerful heavy lift vessels in the world. However, the truth remains that the demands and requirements of our clients – especially in the offshore wind sector – are becoming increasingly extensive and complex. These two new additions give us the opportunity to meet and possibly even exceed these requirements. Customers will benefit from more choices and better solutions.”

SAL has been working intensively on the topic of semi-submersible deck carriers for years. In 2021, a special department was founded for this purpose. SAL has been acting as commercial agent for two Pan Ocean deck carriers since 2017, gaining valuable experience in the project-based chartering of external tonnage.

“‘Zhong Ren 121’ and ‘Zhong Ren 122’ will empower us to undertake cargo transportation and projects previously inconceivable with our existing fleet,” explains Matthieu Moerman, Director Chartering & Project at Jumbo-SAL-Alliance. “They will expand our capabilities, opening doors to new markets. By adding the two vessels, we can offer more marine transport solutions as a group.”

The key highlights of “Zhong Ren 121” and “Zhong Ren 122” include:

  • 169 m long, 39.8 m wide
  • Ability to carry floating cargo due to semi-submersible mode
  • Ultra-modern DP2 technology
  • DWT: 26,000 t
  • Cargo deck capacity of 5,300 m2
  • Outstanding deck strength of 25 mt/m2
  • Average sailing speed of 12 knots
  • Accommodation facilities for up to 59 people

Following delivery, SAL will have the opportunity to utilise the two vessels for cargo transports from Asia to Europe. Afterwards, they will be deployed for an offshore wind farm project in the USA.

Once the wind farm project has been completed, SAL intends to extend the charter contracts with Shanghai Salvage for an additional two to three years. Alberto Aguilaniedo, Manager Chartering & Projects at Jumbo-SAL-Alliance, states: “With our exceptional project and chartering team, I envision a vast potential for these vessels which further solidifies our strategic focus on the renewable energy sector.”

About SAL Heavy Lift: SAL Heavy Lift, a company of the Harren Group, and part of the Jumbo-SAL-Alliance, is one of the world’s leading carriers specialised in the sea transport of heavy lift and project cargo. The modern fleet of heavy lift vessels offers highly flexible options to customers both within project shipping as well as for offshore projects. With travel speeds of up to 20 knots, dynamic positioning systems, Fly-Jib, 1A ice class, up to 3,500 square metres of unobstructed main deck space and combined crane capacities ranging from 550 to 2,000 tons, the fleet is among the most advanced in the heavy lift sector.

As a leading global company in the heavy lift and project cargo segment, SAL meets the highest standards with regard to quality, technical innovation, health, safety and environment. With SAL’s latest investments in its newbuilding programme of Orca Class heavy lift vessels, the company takes an industry-leading step in applying green technologies to its fleet. The global outreach of SAL is ensured via own sales offices and exclusive agents spread across 23 countries.

About Jumbo-SAL-Alliance: Jumbo-SAL-Alliance manages the sea logistics of all types of heavy lift, breakbulk and project cargo in any market. Side by side, two of the most prominent and technically advanced heavy lift carriers combine their strengths and resources to deliver the best engineered heavy transport solutions to customers world-wide.

Two united teams and two specialised fleets operate as one shared fleet. Customers receive carefree service, an experienced crew and simplified commercial interaction. Jumbo-SAL-Alliance is in full control of all its assets, i.e. 30 dedicated project cargo vessels. With three DP2 vessels, two range-extending Fly-Jibs and eleven ice-class vessels, the Alliance can reach almost any location and handle the most demanding scopes.

Jumbo-SAL-Alliance provides a highly flexible shipping solution and a broad range of services which exceeds any other project cargo shipping service in the market space. With lifting capacities up to 3,000 t SWL, Jumbo-SAL-Alliance manages the largest fleet of vessels in the 800+ t lifting segment. This provides a commercial bandwidth that ranges from rapidly positioning vessels for smaller or larger single shipments to large-volume contracts to full scope solutions for complex projects – all under one roof.

Our experienced people – commercial, engineering, project management, QHSE – work closely with a combined network of agents and offices around the world. We provide clients, whether EPCs, brokers, forwarders, OEMs, energy companies or others, with a partnering mentality, expert advice and safely delivered goods. Jumbo-SAL-Alliance: stronger together.