With a high service speed of up to 20 knots, SAL vessels are able to offer extremely short transit times, imperative for time-sensitive cargoes. Apart from its high speed, all 14 vessels are characterized by their lean structure and low draft making them highly flexible and well equipped to reach even less accessible ports. With their crane capacity of up to 1,400 mtons SWL, SAL vessels are able to rely on their own equipment for loading and discharging in most ports world-wide.

In addition, all vessels are fully equipped with an inventory that includes forklifts, spreader bars, lifting beams, lashing and securing materials. All equipment on board is approved/classified by the Germanischer Lloyd (or equivalent), one of the world's leading certification and classification societies.

Two new buildings of type 176 have already been delivered in 2008, another two will follow over the course of 2008/2009.