Singapore-based AAL Shipping methanol-ready vessel embarks on maiden voyage

Singapore-based project heavy lift carrier AAL Shipping (AAL) on Tuesday (19 November) said it has held a formal naming ceremony for AAL Antwerp, the fourth vessel in its eight-strong, third-generation Super B-Class fleet. 

The 32,000 dwt AAL Antwerp – a methanol-ready, multipurpose heavy lift vessel – was officially named on 15 November at the CSSC Huangpu-Wenchong Shipyard in Guangzhou, China in the presence of invited dignitaries from across the local MPP supply chain.

Following her formal debut, AAL Antwerp will immediately embark on her maiden voyage, joining sisterships AAL Limassol, AAL Hamburg, and AAL Houston in servicing project cargo customers between Asia, Europe, Middle East and the Americas.

“Reaching the halfway mark in its latest fleet expansion programme, AAL is furthering its commitment to sustainable, high-capacity shipping solutions designed to meet the evolving demands of the multipurpose (MPP) project heavy lift shipping sector – a fitting milestone to help kickstart the carrier’s 30-year anniversary celebrations coming up in 2025,” the firm said on its website. 

“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,” said Frank Mueller, General Manager Oceania at AAL Shipping.

The remaining vessels in the Super B-Class series will be delivered between now and 2026, including the AAL Newcastle and AAL Mumbai which will have an increased maximum heavy lift capability of 800 tonnes.

Photo credit: AAL Shipping
Published: 21 November, 2024