Germany’s SAL Heavy Lift Launches Fourth Methanol-Ready Orca Class Vessel, Carlotta

Germany’s maritime heavy lift and project cargo carrier SAL Heavy Lift has achieved a significant milestone in the construction of its methanol-ready Orca class fleet with the recent launch of the fourth unit, Carlotta.

The launching ceremony for the newbuild took place in May 2025 at the China Merchants Jinling Shipyard in Weihai.

Carlotta is the fourth vessel out of the five in the Orca class fleet. This fleet was specifically designed by SAL Heavy Lift to meet the rigorous demands of heavy lift shipping while also focusing on reducing carbon emissions.

Each ship in the Orca class, classified by DNV, boasts a length of 149.9 meters and a width of 27.2 meters. The vessels are equipped with hybrid propulsion systems, 800-ton fully electric cranes, and a shore power solution that enables them to connect to the local power grid.

Finnish technology company Wärtsilä was chosen to equip the ships with its 32 main engines, which are capable of operating using methanol fuel.

The first two units from the Orca class, Elise and Frida, were launched in July and October 2024. These vessels are exclusively dedicated to transporting offshore wind turbine components as part of a long-term commitment with Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy.

The third vessel, Patricia, was launched at the Chinese shipyard in December 2024.

The remaining vessels in the Orca class fleet will be serving clients of the Jumbo-SAL Alliance.