Germany-based shipping company Harren & Partner has agreed to acquire SAL Heavy Lift for an undisclosed price from Tokyo-based "K" Line Group.
The acquisition of the German carrier as per Harren & Partner will help it become the new dominant player in the super heavy lift sector with SAL set to become its second heavy lift company after Combi Lift.
Put together, the Harren & Partner and SAL combination will boast of a fleet having 26 heavy lift vessels which includes multipurpose vessels, dock ships and offshore construction vessels with DP2. The combined group will have a crane capacity of up to 2,000 tonnes.
SAL CEO Toshio Yamazaki said: “We are glad to join Harren & Partner. It's a family-owned company that wants to expand its activities in the heavy lift segment.
“By joining forces, both Harren & Partner and SAL will strengthen their product suites. Customers will benefit from more choices and better solutions.”
According to Harren & Partner, SAL in the future will also handle the CL 900/Type 116 vessels along with Combi Dock I and III.
SAL, which has been a part of the "K" Line Group since 2011, has access to a fleet of 15 heavy lift vessels. It is backed by a global network comprising offices and agencies across 25 countries.
Harren & Partner managing director Dr. Martin Harren said: “We believe that this acquisition will ensure that both SAL and Harren & Partner are very well-positioned for the future.
“In becoming the new dominant player in the super heavy lift market, we believe this will add strength to SAL and bring with it some much needed pricing discipline.”
Founded in 1980 near Hamburg, SAL Heavy Lift specializes in the sea transport of heavy lift and project cargo. SAL Offshore, its offshore subsidiary is into supply and development of installation solutions for the oil and gas and renewables segments.