SAL adds 700 tonne lift capacity with MV Mila fleet entry

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SAL has added MV Mila, the first vessel in its new 14K 700 Type series, to its fleet, expanding the carrier’s capacity for heavy lift and project cargo operations across global trade lanes.

The multipurpose vessel is equipped with two cranes, each offering a lifting capacity of 350 tonnes. When operated in tandem, the cranes can handle cargo weighing up to 700 tonnes.

This capability positions MV Mila for transporting oversized and technically demanding loads serving the energy, offshore, infrastructure, mining and industrial sectors.

MV Mila is the first of four sister vessels scheduled to join SAL. The vessel will be followed by MV Lina, MV Hannah and MV Pia as the company builds out the new series.

The four vessels are designed to combine heavy lifting capacity with flexible cargo intake. This allows them to carry different combinations of breakbulk, heavy lift and project cargo within the same voyage.

For project logistics operators, that flexibility can be as important as crane capacity. A vessel may need to accommodate equipment with different dimensions, weights and handling requirements while calling at ports with varying infrastructure.

The onboard cranes also reduce dependence on shore based lifting equipment. This can widen the range of ports available for loading and discharge, particularly when project cargo must move through locations without suitable heavy lift cranes.

SAL said the 14K 700 Type vessels were developed for demanding cargo operations and efficient port turnaround. Faster handling can help limit time alongside, although the duration of each operation will continue to depend on cargo configuration, lifting plans and local port conditions.

The vessel design is also intended to improve fuel efficiency. SAL did not provide technical details covering the propulsion system, fuel consumption or expected emissions performance in its announcement.

MV Mila’s entry adds another lifting option for cargoes that fall within the 700 tonne tandem capacity. Such loads can include industrial modules, offshore components, mining machinery and energy infrastructure.

Each shipment still requires detailed engineering before loading begins. Crane outreach, lifting points, cargo dimensions, deck strength and securing arrangements all influence whether a vessel can accept a particular unit. A stated lifting capacity is therefore one part of the operational calculation rather than a guarantee that every 700 tonne cargo can be handled.

The arrival of MV Lina, MV Hannah and MV Pia will extend the availability of the design across SAL’s fleet. The company did not disclose delivery dates for the three sister vessels or identify their initial employment.

SAL said the series would support heavy lift and project cargo services on global routes. MV Mila has officially joined the fleet and is expected to begin handling cargo within the company’s multipurpose shipping operations.