On June 10, Wuhu Shipyard officially delivered the third 14,600 DWT multi-purpose heavy-lift vessel to Germany’s SAL Heavy Lift Group. The ship has since set sail on its maiden voyage.
With a deadweight of 14,600 tons, a length of 149.9 meters, a beam of 27.2 meters, and a draft of 7.2 meters, the vessel has a maximum speed of 18.5 knots. It features the largest single cargo hold among heavy-lift vessels of its class, capable of carrying heavy and oversized cargo with an open deck.
As the third vessel in the series, the 14603 is designed for high-end heavy-lift capabilities. Equipped with two heavy-duty cranes—each capable of lifting 880 tons individually and 1,600 tons in tandem—it stands as a “powerhouse” at sea, capable of effortlessly loading everything from wind turbine blades to large-scale construction machinery.
At the same time, the vessel remains at the forefront of environmental performance and cargo compatibility. It is equipped with a hybrid variable-frequency control system that ensures a stable power supply under various main engine operating conditions, thereby enhancing mechanical efficiency. The engine features a dual-fuel design with provisions for a methanol fuel system, incorporating integrated fuel tanks, piping, and safety systems. This allows for easy retrofitting in the future to utilize green methanol, enabling a “plug-and-play” low-carbon upgrade.
As previously reported, in July 2022, SAL Heavy Lift signed a contract with Wuhu Shipyard for the construction of 4+2 14,600 DWT multi-purpose heavy-lift vessels; in December 2023, an option for one additional vessel was exercised, bringing the total number of orders for this class of vessels under the joint venture to five.