AAL Shipping names fourth heavy-lifter

Singapore-based AAL Shipping (AAL) has named vessel number four in an eight-ship series of 32,000dwt heavy-lift vessels. The AAL Antwerp is a methanol-ready third-generation Super B-Class multipurpose vessel  designed for heavy-lift and project cargoes. It was named at a ceremony on November 15 at CSSC Huangpu-Wenchong Shipyard in Guangzhou, China.

The AAL Antwerp, with a heavy-lift capacity of up to 700 tonnes, will be capable of transporting cargo volumes of up to 90,000 freight tons. The flexible vessel will be able to accommodate a wide range of cargo types including heavy-lift project equipment, breakbulk consignments, and dry bulk shipments.

General manager of AAL Shipping, Frank Mueller, commented: “With so many unknowns surrounding the global shipping sector moving into 2025, this milestone illustrates AAL’s own clear mission to provide our multipurpose cargo customers with unmatched sailings integrity, adaptability, and competitive solutions.

“The building and employment of one of the project sector’s largest and youngest fleets does not represent the full extent of our investment in developing our service offering,” he continued. “We have active training programmes to nurture the skills of our teams at every level and provide them with state-of-the-art systems and process – all of this within a framework of sustainability and good governance.”

The vessel has now embarked on its maiden voyage, joining three sisterships in providing services for project cargo customers in Asia, Europe, Middle East, and the Americas. The remaining four Super B-Class will be delivered between now and 2026.

AAL Shipping will celebrate its 30th anniversary in 2025.