The MV Elise, the first Orca Class heavy lift vessel in the fleet of SAL Heavy Lift, has begun her maiden voyage. On 16 September 2025, the vessel departed Penglai, China, carrying Siemens Gamesa wind turbine tower sections bound for Hull, UK, before her anticipated first European call in Hamburg.
Built at Wuhu Shipyard (Europe) GmbH in China with approximately 7,600 tons of steel, Elise is equipped with two fully electric Liebherr LS 800 E cranes, a box-shaped cargo hold, and the rare hatchcoverless class notation, enabling efficient and flexible cargo operations.
The ship features a methanol-ready engine concept to support lower emissions and fuel efficiency while still capable of sailing at 18 knots. As the first of five Orca Class vessels, Elise represents SAL Heavy Lift’s commitment to greener, smarter, and more powerful heavy lift shipping.
Her entry into service marks both a technological milestone and a step toward reducing Scope 3 emissions, aligning with customer ESG targets and advancing sustainable shipping practices.
