February 4 - In March 2011, the second of two new vessels commissioned by Schiffahrtskontor Altes Land (SAL) is expected to enter service.

The Type 183 heavy lift vessel is under construction at the Sietas shipyard in Hamburg and will also feature two x 1,000 tonne SWL cranes. It is also capable of maintaining a speed of 20 knots.

The second SAL newbuilding will be equipped with a DP2 dynamic positioning system. This will allow customers to use these vessels as a combined solution for both transport and offshore installation including subsea work.

Among other uses, the vessels are suitable for offshore wind turbine installation, in particular for installation of piles, mounting of transition pieces and transporting components from shore to offshore installation platforms.

Readers will recall that the first vessel, MV Svenja, entered service in December 2010.