SAL has officially welcomed MV Elise to its fleet, marking the arrival of the first vessel of the Orca Class, a new generation of heavy lift ships designed for performance, efficiency and reduced emissions.

Built by Wuhu Shipyard in China, the vessel represents a major milestone in the development of SAL’s future heavy lift capabilities.

With approximately 7,600 tonnes of steel incorporated into her construction, MV Elise is built to set new standards in modern heavy lift shipping. The vessel is equipped with two fully electric Liebherr LS 800 E cranes, delivering strong lifting performance combined with efficient operations.

Her box-shaped cargo hold and innovative hatch cover system allow maximum flexibility for transporting oversized and complex project cargo. The vessel is also designed with future-ready propulsion technology, including preparation for methanol-ready operations, enabling more sustainable shipping solutions.

After successfully completing sea trials, MV Elise has already embarked on her maiden voyage, transporting tower sections for Siemens Gamesa from Penglai, China, to Hull, United Kingdom, before heading toward her first call in Hamburg.

MV Elise is the first of five Orca Class vessels planned for the fleet. The new class represents an important step toward more efficient heavy lift operations while supporting long-term sustainability goals.

Learn more about the Orca class and its unique capabilities at www.orcaclass.com