Limitless commitment.
At sea and ashore.
From our first voyage to today’s global operations, our spirit remains the same – to move what matters, without limits.
For nearly five decades, SAL has set the maritime standard in heavy lift and project shipping. What began as a family-run venture in Steinkirchen, just outside Hamburg has evolved into a global leader – driven by the skill, adaptability and leadership of its people.
Our promise is simple: absolute commitment to our customers’ missions and industry leadership through innovation. With every voyage, we push boundaries, combining engineering precision with a deep sense of responsibility – and the spirit that drives us to go beyond every horizon.
A mindset that moves what matters.
At SAL, we don’t just move cargo – we move what matters.
Our work is guided by a mindset of limitless commitment: the drive to go beyond expectations, to find smarter solutions, and deliver excellence in everything we do.
It’s what defines us – at sea, on deck, and in every partnership we build.
We are Skilled.
From captains and crews to 60+ engineers and planners, every voyage is powered by deep expertise, proven safety systems, and hands-on precision.
For almost five decades, our people have set benchmarks in maritime precision and technical performance – earning SAL its reputation as a trusted partner in the world’s most demanding transport challenges.
We are Adaptive.
No two projects are alike.
Our strength lies in our ability to adjust – to shifting conditions, complex cargoes, and evolving customer needs. With port captains and teams worldwide, we keep projects agile: refining routes, balancing capacity, and sequencing operations so cargo stays on plan and in sync with project flow.
This flexibility defines our approach and fuels our innovation – in engineering and in how we operate our fleet.
We are Leading.
Leadership at SAL means more than scale or tonnage.
It’s about setting standards – in how we operate, how we collaborate, and how we care for people, partners, and the planet. We lead by raising the bar: modern ships, smart cargo combinations, and engineering that redefines what’s possible at sea.
Our strength lies not only in our vessels or technology, but in the mindset of those who move them forward.
With every project, we take the lead by example – guided by experience, driven by innovation, and united by the same commitment that has defined SAL for nearly five decades.
Our fleet. Our foundation.
With one of the world’s most advanced heavy lift fleets, SAL delivers reliable capacity, technical excellence, and true project capability.
Every vessel reflects our engineering mindset – efficient, capable, and ready for the world’s most complex transport tasks. Our in-house SAL Engineering team turns ambition into ability – combining advanced modelling and design with the ingenuity of hands-on specialists.
Together with SAL Intermarine, we cover every step of the maritime value chain – from design and planning to execution and beyond. In the Americas, SAL Intermarine pairs scheduled reliability with 24-hour responsiveness to keep materials on plan and in sync with project schedules.
Our people. Our power.
Behind every operation stands a team of skilled professionals with sea spirit at heart.
From crews and port captains to engineers, planners and project managers, our people bring the precision, judgement and care that heavy lift and project shipping demand.
They are the ones who lead, adapt and deliver – coordinating complex moves across vessels, ports and supply chains.
Their experience turns planning into performance: aligning schedules, balancing risks and keeping every stakeholder in sync.
Safety is our shared language.
Continuous training, clear procedures and a proactive HSE mindset ensure that every decision reflects our responsibility to people, partners and the planet.
This is the culture that defines SAL – collaborative, curious and committed.
It’s why clients trust us with what matters most, and why our teams keep raising the standard for quality, reliability and innovation.
Part of the JSI Alliance. Stronger together.
Three leaders. One commitment to deliver what others can’t.
As a proud member of the JSI Alliance, SAL joins forces with Jumbo Shipping and SAL Intermarine.
Together, we unite one of the world’s most capable heavy lift and project cargo fleets – sharing expertise, experience, and a mindset built on collaboration.
Wherever our clients operate, the JSI Alliance ensures global reach, reliable capacity, and seamless service from tramp to liner operations.
Learn more about the JSI Alliance
A legacy built on progress.
From our beginnings in Northern Germany to our position as a global leader in heavy lift and project shipping – every decade has shaped who we are today.
Here’s a look at the milestones that define our journey.
1980
SAL is founded in Germany.
What began as a family-run shipping company in Steinkirchen near Hamburg quickly grew into a trusted name for reliable and precise maritime transport.
1990s
Expanding operations and pioneering global project routes.
SAL establishes new trade lanes, broadens its global footprint, and earns a reputation for tackling increasingly complex transport challenges across continents.
2001
New-generation heavy lift vessels set fresh industry standards.
With the introduction of modern, high-performance heavy lift vessels, SAL strengthens its position as a technological leader and innovator in project shipping.
2017
SAL joins the Harren Group.
Becoming part of the Bremen-based Harren Group marks a new chapter of collaboration and growth – combining expertise, resources, and a shared maritime spirit.
2021
Jumbo-SAL-Alliance is formed.
SAL and Jumbo Shipping establish a close commercial partnership, creating a unified entry point for clients and offering one of the world’s strongest heavy lift fleets.
2024
JSI Alliance launches.
Intermarine joins the partnership, expanding the alliance into a global network with more than 50 vessels and a shared commitment to deliver integrated heavy lift and project shipping solutions worldwide.
2025
A new era begins: SAL redefines itself with Limitless Commitment.
With a refreshed identity and forward-looking mindset, SAL reinforces its role as a leader in maritime transport – driven by the people, precision, and passion that define the company.
Ready to go beyond?
Match your cargo to the right ship – or start the conversation with our specialists.