AAL Damman set to serve project demand also optimized for dry bulk
(Posted on 02/07/25)
Global project heavy lift specialist AAL Shipping (AAL) is preparing to take delivery of its sixth 32,000-deadweight (DWT), 700 metric tonne (MT) heavy lift Super B-Class vessel - the AAL Dammam. Unveiled at a naming ceremony at the CSSC Huangpu Wenchong Shipyard in Guangzhou, China, she is part of an eight-vessel newbuild fleet totalling 256,000 DWT. With project customers already lining up to make full use of this innovative heavy lifter, she will immediately enter service with her maiden voyage, transporting offshore renewable energy cargo from China to the UK.
The methanol-ready and dual-fuel AAL Dammam was engineered to transport a vast array of multipurpose cargoes including heavy lift project components, breakbulk, and dry bulk all on a single voyage. The 41,500 cubic meter newbuild has a length of 179.9 meters and a breadth of 30 meters. She can accommodate over 100,000 freight tons of breakbulk and heavy lift cargo and is equipped with three 350 MT heavy lift cranes, combinable up to a 700 MT maximum. Two large, box-shaped cargo holds are optimized for dry bulk, featuring adjustable pontoon triple decks and no centre-line bulkhead.
Reflecting on the significant investment this newbuild fleet represents, Kyriacos Panayides, Chief Executive Officer, AAL, commented:
“Whilst the current geopolitical landscape makes short-term planning extremely difficult, the long-term forecast for the global industrial sector - which we specifically designed and built these powerhouses to serve - is nevertheless strong.
“Global industry is experiencing record levels of capital input, with clean-energy investment alone expected to hit US$2.2 trillion in 2025, according to the International Energy Agency. And whilst renewables continue to lead new project activity, we are not dependent on a simple ‘fossil-to-clean’ shift for cargo volumes, but rather a layered build-out across all industrial energy and resource sectors.
“Oil and gas project development is forecasted to grow to US$9.9 trillion by 2029, with LNG a bright spot featuring multiple export projects in the US, Qatar, and Canada due online by 2026–2028. The mining sector too remains strong, with over 5,400 mining projects valued at US$406 billion scheduled to start construction by the end of 2025.”
In 2026, AAL will take delivery of its final two Super B-Class vessels — the AAL Newcastle and AAL Mumbai — which will feature an increased maximum heavy lift capability of 800 MT.
Latest News
MacGregor strengthens leadership under Triton’s ownership
(Posted on 04/08/25)MacGregor continues to serve its maritime and offshore customers with its wide portfolio of cargo and... Read more
Jonas Gustavsson appointed CEO of MacGregor
(Posted on 04/08/25)The board of directors of MacGregor Group AB has appointed Jonas Gustavsson Chief Executive Officer... Read more
Liebherr collaborates with Indian terminal to streamline bulk operations
(Posted on 30/07/25)Strategic lifting capacity meets India’s east coast logistics growth. The LHM 550s selected for... Read more
Inauguration of Wärtsilä’s advanced simulators in Malaysia
(Posted on 30/07/25)A new advanced simulation suite supplied by technology group Wärtsilä for the Akademi Laut... Read more
New nuclear for maritime is a “geopolitical imperative”
(Posted on 30/07/25)The New Nuclear for Maritime European Summit, the world’s largest international summit on maritime... Read more
Steelpaint contract with Winning International to protect capsize bulker
(Posted on 21/07/25)Steelpaint GmbH has received its first order from Singapore-based Winning International Group to supply... Read more
Anemoi and Lloyd’s Register publish landmark wind propulsion paper
(Posted on 21/07/25)Anemoi Marine Technologies, a leader in wind-assisted propulsion technology, has developed an in-service... Read more
New platform cracks down on rogue crewing agents exploiting seafarers
(Posted on 15/07/25)A new recruitment feature has launched to help dismantle the shadow network of rogue crewing agents... Read more
AUMUND Group expands portfolio with integration of ESI Eurosilo
(Posted on 08/07/25)AUMUND has announced that, as of 25 June, 2025, ESI Eurosilo B.V., headquartered in Purmerend, the Netherlands... Read more
Anemoi China facility marks major leap in wind propulsion technology
(Posted on 08/07/25)Anemoi Marine Technologies, a global leader in wind propulsion solutions, has announced the official... Read more
