AAL Shipping (AAL) held the official naming ceremony for its latest vessel, the AAL Antwerp, marking the halfway point in its third-generation Super B-Class fleet expansion. The ceremony took place at the CSSC Huangpu-Wenchong Shipyard in Guangzhou, China, and was attended by dignitaries from the local multipurpose project heavy lift (MPP) supply chain.
Vessel Specifications and Capabilities
- AAL Antwerp is a methanol-ready 32,000 dwt (deadweight tonnage) multipurpose heavy lift vessel.
- The vessel has a combined lifting capacity of 700 tonnes, allowing it to transport over 90,000 freight tons of cargo, including:
- Heavy lift project equipment
- Breakbulk
- Dry bulk
This makes the vessel ideal for the diverse needs of the MPP sector, capable of carrying various types of cargo simultaneously.
Fleet Expansion and Upcoming Deliveries
- AAL Antwerp joins sister vessels such as AAL Limassol, AAL Hamburg, and AAL Houston, all of which service project cargo customers across Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and the Americas.
- This vessel is part of AAL’s fleet expansion program, which aims to meet increasing demand in the MPP shipping sector.
- The remaining vessels in the Super B-Class series will be delivered by 2026, including the AAL Newcastle and AAL Mumbai, which will feature an increased maximum lifting capability of 800 tonnes.
Commitment to Sustainability and Workforce Development
- According to Frank Mueller, General Manager Oceania at AAL Shipping, the expansion of their fleet is only part of their commitment to improving services. They are also investing in:
- Training programs to enhance the skills of their teams
- State-of-the-art systems and processes
- Operating under a framework of sustainability and good governance.
The launch of the AAL Antwerp signifies AAL Shipping’s dedication to both fleet expansion and sustainable business practices, ensuring they remain at the forefront of the global heavy-lift shipping sector.
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Source: MARINE LINK
