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With the Launch of the Carlotta, the German Company Advances with Its Orca Class Fleet, Designed for High Performance with Lower Carbon Emissions.
SAL Heavy Lift, the German heavy transport giant, has strengthened its commitment to clean fuels with the launch of the Carlotta in May 2025. The vessel is the newest methanol ship of the company, the fourth in the innovative Orca class series, built in China. The project aims to combine high cargo capacity with a more sustainable operation.
Carlotta: The New Benchmark in Methanol Ship Generation
The launch ceremony of the Carlotta took place at the Jinling shipyard of China Merchants, in Weihai. It represents a crucial step in the construction of the Orca class fleet. This series of ships has been specifically designed to meet the demands of heavy cargo transport, while also reducing carbon emissions, aligning with the new environmental demands of the maritime sector.
Technology and Capacity: How the New Methanol Ship Works
Each methanol ship in this class is equipped with cutting-edge technology. The main engines, supplied by the Finnish company Wärtsilä, are the model 32, capable of operating with methanol. The vessels measure 149.9 meters in length, 27.2 meters in width, and feature hybrid propulsion systems. Additionally, they are equipped with fully electric cranes of 800 tons and a shore power solution that allows connection to the local power grid.
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The Strategy of the Orca Class Fleet
The Carlotta is the fourth of a total of five ships. The development of the fleet began with the launch of the ships Elise and Frida, in July and October 2024. Subsequently, the third ship, Patricia, was launched in December 2024. The sequential construction demonstrates SAL’s strong commitment to the modernization and sustainability of its fleet.
From Wind Energy to the Jumbo-SAL Alliance
The fleet has a clear commercial direction. The first two units, Elise and Frida, are dedicated exclusively to the transport of offshore wind turbines, in a long-term contract with Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy. The remaining ships of the Orca class, including the Carlotta, have been designated to serve the clients of the Jumbo-SAL Alliance, expanding the offer of heavy project transport with a lower environmental impact.
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