Sperry Marine has equipped SAL Heavy Lift’s first Orca Class vessel with its latest VisionMaster Integrated Bridge System. The advanced platform brings a suite of “industry firsts” that enhance safety, precision, and performance for one of the most advanced heavy lift fleets entering service.
Sperry Marine has completed the first installation of its new-generation VisionMaster Integrated Bridge System (IBS) on board Elise, the lead ship in SAL Heavy Lift’s Orca Class series. The system introduces several first-of-its-kind digital navigation features designed to meet the demands of modern heavy lift operations and high-latitude voyages.
The 14,600 dwt Elise enters service this November, marking the beginning of a five-ship program that blends sustainable performance with cutting-edge control technology. Built to Ice-class 1A and Polar Code standards, the DNV-classed Orca Class ships feature twin all-electric cranes, hybrid propulsion, and full methanol readiness, reflecting SAL’s focus on efficiency and low-carbon operation.
“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 of SAL Heavy Lift. “These vessels are equipped to establish a new benchmark for safety, precision, and innovation in this highly specialised shipping sector.”
Working closely with SAL, Sperry Marine tailored its VisionMaster system to integrate seamlessly with the ship’s performance and safety requirements. Among the advanced features is a Virtual Network Computing (VNC) mode that lets watchkeepers access critical navigation tools, such as ice radar, directly from the conning position. Raw radar data from the VisionMaster Net X-Band radar feeds into the Rutter Sigma S6 Ice Navigator to improve situational awareness in polar conditions.
“This ship is also the first newbuild equipped with Sperry Marine’s new NAVISTAR satellite compass solution, which ensures precise and reliable heading data – even at high latitudes – and the first newly built vessel to feature a complete installation of the cutting-edge 27-inch VisionMaster Net Panel PCs,” said Pascal Göllnitz, Product Line Manager – Integrated Bridge Systems, Sperry Marine. “The platform’s adaptability to evolving customer requirements was further demonstrated when we responded to SAL’s last-minute request to integrate Orca AI’s camera system into VisionMaster Net, adding a layer of situational awareness.”
The IBS package also includes SperrySphere, a voyage planning tool with intelligent route optimization, and the NAVIPILOT 4500N autopilot, which automatically adapts to vessel characteristics for fuel savings and reduced bridge workload.
With Elise now entering service, Sperry Marine and SAL Heavy Lift have set a new benchmark for navigation technology integration, combining safety, precision, and innovation in one of the world’s most advanced heavy lift fleets.
