August 3 - Heavy lift carrier Schiffahrtskontor Altes Land (SAL) has opened a new office in Fremantle, western Australia, in an expansion of its Australasian operations.

SAL, a joint venture with 'K' Line, currently operates a modern fleet of 14 ships with offices in Hamburg, Beijing, Shanghai, Tokyo, London and Genoa, Italy.

Managing director Berndt R. Olesen said the Australian expansion would be of great benefit to the region's oil, gas, and mining industry and is part of a wider strategic plan to accommodate the growing shipping demand from the resources sectors in Australasia.

SAL has managed an extensive portfolio of projects, which include the transportation of wind energy, power plants, cranes, cabling, heavy machinery, floating cargo, and offshore equipment.

The carrier said its agent for Australia, Coli Shipping of Singapore, will continue working alongside the new SAL office to ensure close co-operation is maintained with existing clients.