Heavy Transport, HLV Updates

MV Elise Embarks on Maiden Voyage from China to UK

The MV Elise, the first Orca Class vessel in SAL Heavy Lift’s fleet, has begun her maiden voyage from China to Europe. With advanced green technology and powerful lifting capacity, she sets a new benchmark in sustainable heavy lift shipping.

MV Elise heavy lift vessel sailing with Siemens Gamesa tower sections

MV Elise begins service as the first Orca Class vessel for SAL Heavy Lift, marking a milestone in greener, more efficient heavy lift operations. (Image courtesy of SAL Heavy Lift)

19, September 2025
350 Views

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.

Tags: heavy lift shipping, methanol-ready ship, MV Elise, Orca Class vessel, SAL Heavy Lift, Siemens Gamesa, sustainable shipping

Editorial Note:
This article was prepared with the assistance of AI tools to enhance clarity and efficiency.
All information has been reviewed and verified by the HMT News editor.

12, Mar
|

Heavy Transport

Red Zed 1 Delivers Key Liquefaction Module to Woodfibre LNG Site

The heavy load carrier Red Zed 1 delivered the 10,847-tonnes liquefaction module to the Woodfibre LNG project site on 10 March 2026 as the project advances toward completion.

4, Mar
|

Offshore

RWE Sets First Turbine at 1.1GW Thor

RWE installed the first turbine at the 1,100MW Thor offshore wind farm off Jutland. The project will deploy 72 Siemens Gamesa turbines and is due online in 2027.

3, Mar
|

Heavy Transport

Borun Jiuzhou Sets Record with 147 Blade Load at Beibu Gulf Port

Borun Jiuzhou completes loading of 147 wind turbine blades at Beibu Gulf Port, setting a new domestic single-vessel record with optimized stowage completed in 6.7 shifts.