Heavy Transport

SAL Heavy Lift Completes First Semi-Submersible Loading Operation with MV Luisa

SAL Heavy Lift has completed the first loading operation using its semi-submersible heavy transport vessel MV Luisa, loading two inland barges for transport from the Netherlands to Uruguay.

SAL Heavy Lift MV Luisa during float-on loading operation

MV Luisa during its first loading operation. (Image source: SAL)

8, July 2026
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SAL Heavy Lift, operating as part of the JSI Alliance, has completed its first loading operation using its fully owned and managed semi-submersible heavy transport vessel MV Luisa.

The loading operation involved the float-on loading of the inland barges Scaldis and Duandra for transport from the Netherlands to Uruguay. According to the company, engineering, project management, marine operations and vessel execution were handled by a single integrated team throughout the operation.

The company said the project demonstrates its ability to execute semi-submersible heavy transport operations using in-house resources. It also marks the first loading operation carried out with MV Luisa.

Earlier, SAL Heavy Lift acquired two semi-submersible deck carriers from Pan Ocean and renamed MV Sun Shine as MV Luisa and MV Sun Rise as MV Alma.

Built in Korea in 2008, MV Luisa has a deadweight of 17,113 DWT. The vessel features a 148 × 48 m cargo deck, a maximum submerged draught of 7.05 m, a deck strength of 18 t/m² and a service speed of 9 knots.

Tags: Float-on Loading, Heavy Transport Vessel, JSI Alliance, MV Alma, MV Luisa, Netherlands, SAL Heavy Lift, semi-submersible, Uruguay

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.

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