World’s First Pool for Dock Vessels Formed

By MarEx 2018-02-12

The world’s first pool for dock vessels will be established starting April 1, 2018. RollDock and SAL Heavy Lift will join forces for RO/RO and float-in / float-out heavy lift cargoes.

The pool will be managed by RollDock with SAL providing specialized heavy break bulk cargo support. It will consist of six geared dock vessels, all being operated under the RollDock brand. Five of the vessels comes from the existing RollDock fleet (S and ST class vessels) and one from SAL (Combi Dock I).

Through a consolidation, the companies expect better utilization of the vessels and expanded representation globally. The pool will have representation in all major regions.

Both companies will also continue independently and operate vessels outside the pool. Over the past decade, RollDock has developed into a world recognized operator with their fleet of the most technically advanced dock type vessels. SAL Heavy Lift, operating for over 37 years, has a fleet of heavy geared vessels.

Justin Archard, Commercial Director of SAL, says: “SAL wants to keep its place in the RO/RO and float-in / float-out market. However, we also realize that our core service is lift operations. Whenever clients look for heavy transportation – with lifting, rolling or floating services or a combination – our setup offers them a one-stop-shop.”