Heavy lift shipping
has never been greener
A new generation of ultra-efficient heavy lift vessels that sets the benchmark in terms of emissions and technical capabilities.
Greener, stronger, better – Orca Class
Our cooperation partners
Orca makes the wind
blow - designed to
tackle the logistical
challenges of the wind
industry.
Orca Class – Technical Highlights
Orca Class represents a new generation of multipurpose heavy lift vessels designed for demanding global project cargo and breakbulk operations.
Built for intake flexibility, crane performance and future-ready efficiency, the class combines robust engineering with operational versatility across tramp and liner-like trades.
The following highlights outline the core technical features of the Orca Class.
EXTREME DIMENSIONS
Box-shaped cargo geometry designed to maximise usable intake.
Orca Class is built around stowability. The large box-shaped cargo hold reduces void space and improves flexibility for long, wide and high project units.
The geometry supports efficient planning for breakbulk, steel products and complex project cargo, enabling higher intake potential while maintaining compact outer vessel dimensions for broad port accessibility.
Key specifications
- Cargo hold dimensions: 107 × 18.5 × 13.3 m
- Hold type: Box-shaped configuration
1,600 T LIFTING CAPACITY
High-capacity crane configuration for demanding heavy lift operations.
Orca Class vessels are equipped with two 800 t cranes, enabling tandem lifting capability of up to 1,600 t under defined operating conditions.
The configuration supports precise cargo handling in ports with limited shore infrastructure and provides flexibility for heavy project components, offshore equipment and industrial modules.
Key specifications
- Crane configuration: 2 × 800 t
- Combined lifting capacity: 1,600 t (tandem mode, subject to operational parameters)
- Electric crane concept
METHANOL READY
Designed for certified methanol readiness and reduced emissions performance.
Orca Class is prepared for methanol operation in accordance with future ISO/AWI 6583 standards following installation of a pre-approved Methanol Module. The design concept allows for structured conversion as regulatory frameworks and fuel availability continue to evolve.
In conventional operation, the class already exceeds key environmental benchmarks, supporting reduced emissions intensity across global trading routes.
Emission performance
- Methanol readiness aligned with ISO/AWI 6583 (upon module installation)
- NOₓ emissions: 10% below IMO Tier III limits
- CO₂: 21% below EEDI Phase 3 requirement (using IFO / MGO)
- CO₂-neutral potential when operating on certified Green Methanol
SAFETY IS PARAMOUNT TO US
Operational safety integrated into vessel design.
Orca Class emphasises safe working environments through practical design decisions, including stair access instead of frequent ladder use where feasible and clearly defined safe walkways across operational areas.
This supports safer inspections, cargo operations and maintenance routines during port calls and at sea.
Key features
- Stair-based access solutions
- Integrated safe walkways
- Operational safety-focused layout
TOP SPEED
Performance flexibility to support demanding trading profiles.
With a maximum speed of 18.5 kn, Orca Class balances operational efficiency with schedule reliability.
The design allows operators to respond to time-sensitive project requirements, weather windows and liner-like commitments while maintaining overall fuel efficiency during standard trading conditions.
Key specification
- Maximum speed: 18.5 kn
ZERO EMISSION PORT OPERATIONS
Shore power capability for reduced emissions alongside.
Orca Class is designed to connect to shore power systems, enabling zero-emission operations while in port where infrastructure is available.
By supplying onboard auxiliary loads from the shore grid instead of running generators, the vessel reduces local emissions and noise levels during port stays.
Key feature
- Shore power connection capability
The ships will be the most efficient vessels in their class with consumption and emission figures far superior to any existing heavy lift vessel today.
Owner and CEO of SAL and the Harren Group
Polar Code + Ice Class
Ice Class
Polar Code
Low design temperatures
Safety First
Designed for optimum work safety
Walkways, entries, workareas and accomodations designed with safety and comfort in centre
Optimized Hull Design
Excellent sea-keeping behaviour
Low accelerations for cargo reduces lashing and keep cargo safe
High freeboard & forward deck
house shelters cargo deck
Cargo Hold + Intake
Large cargo intake and deck space
Flexible box shaped cargo hold
and hatch cover system
“Hatchcoverless” class notation
Hatch Cover Strength
Designed for reality: High strength of 10t /m²
Weight spreading efforts reduced
Reduced manual handling through automated systems
Ship to Shore Connection
Zero Emission:
Shore power supply
Power feed-out on deck for client’s equipment
Crane Outfitting
2 x 800 t: Powerful, fast
and fully electric cranes
Large lifting height and outreach
Combinable 1600 t SWL
Speed + Flexibility
Hybrid drive
High efficiency at any speed
18.5 kn max speed
Zero Emission
Methanol ready vessel design
and engine concept
Minimized footprint and fuel
cost for vessel profile
The Orca Class Purpose-built for offshore wind logistics
Combining high lifting capacity, optimised cargo space and advanced vessel design, the Orca Class is engineered to transport the largest components safely, efficiently and without compromise.
No space remains unused
Full utilization of its deck area and a large box shaped cargo hold gives Orca maximised intake, making space for even the biggest loads. With deckstrengths of 10t/m2 no cargo proves too heavy for Orca.
Extra height when needed
The Orcas 2 x 800t SWL fully electrical cranes reaches higher and further. With a combined 1600t SWL, loading both ultra long or high components goes with ease. Reaching at all sides of the vessel, no lift is too complicated for Orca.
Zero emissions
Readily designed for Methanol the Orca in combination with its hybrid systems, and ship-to-shore power connectivity operate carbon neutral. Green shipping at its core.
Fast, yet strong.
With its compact outer dimensions, Ice-class 1A (Finnish-Swedish) and polar code, the Orca goes everywhere, literally. With cruising speeds of 16kn and peek speed of 18kn the Orca brings cargo to its destination swiftly.
Compact vessel dimensions paired with outstanding manoeuvrability
ensures access to small and shallow ports and working in remote areas. Availability of bow-, stern thruster, controllable pitch propeller and high efficiency rudder gives the Orca extreme manoeuvrability, which allows for safe and fast port manouvers without the need for additional assistance (e.g. tugs).
Ultra high efficiency hull.
The Orca hull shape is optimized to keep consumption to a minimum while boasting sensational seakeeping behaviour. Low acceleration forces, keeps sensitive cargo safe and reduces lashing amounts. Speed, efficiency and safety goes hand in hand with Orca.
Explore the Vessel’s Interior in our 360° Tour
News
Keep up to date with our pioneers of progress.
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MV Frida completes 1,600-tonne tandem lift test
A new era begins: Christening of MV Elise
MV Elise sets sail on first independent voyage
With great pride we celebrated the launch of MV Patricia
