SAL Heavy Lift, a specialist in heavy lift and project cargo, is boosting its deck carrier capacity by acquiring two semi-submersible vessels, MV Sun Shine and MV Sun Rise, from Korean company Pan Ocean. These vessels are set to join the fleet in Europe between October 2025 and April 2026 and will operate commercially under the JSI Alliance.
This expansion follows SAL’s 2023 long-term charter of MV Zhong Ren 121 and MV Zhong Ren 122. With the addition of these new ships, SAL will double its presence in the semi-submersible market.
Rising Demand Drives Fleet Growth
Matthieu Moerman, Director of Renewables & Offshore at the JSI Alliance, highlighted the growing demand for heavy lift carriers.
“Operating the Zhong Ren vessels revealed a need for more tonnage and greater flexibility,” he explained. “With four vessels now in service, we can handle more complex projects. Notably, MV Sun Shine is one of the few deck carriers built outside China, offering advantages in navigating tariffs and trade regulations.”
Both vessels are designed for global operations and floating cargo transport. Upon joining the fleet, they will be renamed MV Luisa (Sun Shine) and MV Alma (Sun Rise), honoring the daughters of two Harren Group colleagues.
Expanding Capabilities for Diverse Projects
Dr. Martin Harren, CEO of Harren Group and SAL Heavy Lift, emphasized the strategic importance of the new additions.
“These vessels allow us to expand from smaller multipurpose ships with 7,700 DWT and 300-tonne lifting capacity to large semi-submersible deck carriers nearing 25,000 DWT,” he said. “This positions us to cover the full spectrum of the multipurpose and heavy lift sector.”
To support this growth, SAL plans to expand its sales, engineering, and operations teams in Hamburg, Rotterdam, and Singapore, ensuring it meets the rising demand in the deck carrier market.