Archives
Freight News, Sea
SAL Takes Delivery of Third Orca Class Vessel
[ June 19, 2026 // Gary Burrows ]SAL has taken delivery of Patricia, the third vessel in its Orca Class newbuilding program, further expanding the carrier’s capabilities in the heavy lift, project cargo, offshore and renewable energy sectors.
Unlike sister vessels Elise and Frida, which entered long-term charter arrangements immediately after delivery, Patricia will initially be operated commercially by SAL.
The vessel’s maiden voyage will transport wind energy equipment for long-time customer Vestas, loading cargo in Phu My, Vietnam, and Lvsi near Nantong, China, for delivery to Eemshaven, Netherlands, and Raahe, Finland.
Patricia is named after Patricia Rüf, a member of the board of directors of Liebherr. SAL said the naming recognizes the long-standing relationship between the two companies, with Liebherr serving as both a supplier and customer over several decades.
The Orca Class represents the latest generation of heavy lift vessels in SAL’s fleet, designed to support increasingly complex cargo requirements across project cargo, offshore and energy markets.
An official naming ceremony for Patricia is planned for August in Rostock, Germany.
With three Orca Class vessels now delivered, SAL continues to expand its fleet to serve growing demand from the project cargo and renewable energy sectors.
