SAL Heavy Lift has taken delivery of Elise, the first in its new Orca Class of heavy lift vessels, equipped with a new integrated bridge system developed in close collaboration with Sperry Marine.
The 14,600 dwt ship, designed to meet Ice-class 1A and Polar Code standards, combines twin 800-tonne all-electric cranes with hybrid propulsion, shore power capability, and methanol-ready engines.
The vessel will formally enter service after a ceremony in Hamburg on 6 November.
“The Orca Class represents a new era in heavy lift shipping, combining advanced technology with a strong focus on efficiency and sustainability,” said Sebastian Westphal, Managing Director, SAL Heavy Lift.
“These vessels are equipped to establish a new benchmark for safety, precision, and innovation in this highly specialised shipping sector.”
Elise’s bridge features Sperry Marine’s VisionMaster Integrated Bridge System, adapted in partnership with SAL to meet operational requirements for high-latitude navigation and heavy lift control.
The system integrates fibre optic gyrocompasses, inertial navigation, and satellite compass technology to maintain accuracy even when GNSS signals are jammed or spoofed.
The bridge configuration also supports full integration with Orca AI’s camera technology and Rutter’s Sigma S6 Ice Navigator, allowing operators to monitor ice conditions directly from the conning position through VisionMaster’s virtual network interface.
Sperry’s NAVIPILOT 4500N autopilot is installed, which can dynamically adapt to vessel behaviour, while the SperrySphere voyage planning platform will provide real-time optimisation to improve efficiency and situational awareness.
Elise is the first of five Orca Class vessels ordered by SAL, built under a two-yard programme in China. Each ship will feature the new navigation technologies.
