Heavy Transport

MV Frida completes 1,600-tonne Orca lift test

Heavy-lift vessel MV Frida of SAL last week completed a 1,600-tonne tandem lift test for the new Orca Class, using both cranes at maximum outreach to verify performance at peak load.

Photo source: SAL via LinkedIn

14, January 2026
320 Views

Heavy-lift vessel MV Frida of SAL last week carried out a tandem lifting test at full rated capacity for the new Orca Class, confirming the ship’s capability under maximum load.

During the trial, both deck cranes worked together from the vessel’s starboard side at their longest outreach. Each unit raised 800 tonnes of bags filled with water, giving a combined test load of 1,600 tonnes. The results, according to the company, showed that the vessel meets all requirements for structure, stability, and heel at peak load.

To control heel during the side lift, the vessel used its onboard anti-heeling technology, which kept the load in balance. In addition, the ship’s stability pontoon delivered an extra safety margin at low draft, highlighting the performance of the Orca Class design.

For scale, SAL likened the load to hoisting roughly half a dozen fully loaded 747 passenger jets or about a dozen adult blue whales. The company also thanked all teams involved for carrying out the test safely and successfully, and shared the achievement on social media.

Tags: heavy-lift vessel, Orca Class, project cargo shipping, SAL Heavy Lift, tandem lift test

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.

7, Sep
|

Heavy Transport

SAL Heavy Lift signs MOU for five more Orca Class vessels

SAL Heavy Lift has signed an MOU with Wuhu Shipyard for five additional 14,600 DWT Orca Class vessels, potentially increasing the heavy-lift programme from five ships to ten.

2, Sep
|

Heavy Transport

SAL Heavy Lift Christens Patricia as Third Orca Class Vessel

SAL Heavy Lift has christened Patricia in Rostock, Germany, adding the third Orca Class vessel with two 800-tonne Liebherr cranes and up to 1,600 tonnes of tandem lifting capacity.

28, Aug
|

Heavy Transport

ZPMC Heavy-Lift Vessel for Chipolbrok Completes Sea Trials

ZPMC has completed sea trials of a 38,000-tonne heavy-lift vessel ordered by Chipolbrok, featuring three 350-tonne cranes, flexible cargo decks and a 1,000-kW battery system.