AAL Shipping Welcomes AAL Dammam to its Heavy Lift Fleet
Global project heavy lift specialist AAL Shipping (AAL) is gearing up to add another impressive vessel to its fleet with the upcoming delivery of the AAL Dammam. This sixth 32,000-deadweight (DWT), 700 metric ton (MT) heavy lift Super B-Class vessel was recently unveiled at a naming ceremony at the CSSC Huangpu Wenchong Shipyard in Guangzhou, China.
The AAL Dammam is part of AAL’s newbuild fleet, which consists of eight vessels totaling 256,000 DWT. This state-of-the-art vessel is set to commence service immediately with its maiden voyage scheduled to transport offshore renewable energy cargo from China to the UK.
Designed to be methanol-ready and dual-fuel, the AAL Dammam is equipped to handle a wide range of multipurpose cargoes including heavy lift project components, breakbulk, and dry bulk all in a single voyage. With a capacity of 41,500 cubic meters, a length of 179.9 meters, and a breadth of 30 meters, this vessel is a versatile workhorse in the shipping industry. It can accommodate over 100,000 freight tons of breakbulk and heavy lift cargo and boasts three 350 MT heavy lift cranes that can be combined for a maximum lift capacity of 700 MT. Additionally, its two large, box-shaped cargo holds are optimized for dry bulk, featuring adjustable pontoon triple decks and no center-line bulkhead.
Looking ahead, AAL has plans to further expand its fleet with the addition of two more Super B-Class vessels—the AAL Newcastle and AAL Mumbai—expected to be delivered in 2026. These vessels will feature an increased maximum heavy lift capability of 800 MT, solidifying AAL’s commitment to providing top-notch heavy lift transportation services.
With the introduction of the AAL Dammam and future vessels on the horizon, AAL Shipping continues to solidify its position as a leading player in the global heavy lift shipping industry, offering innovative solutions for the transportation of oversized and heavy project cargoes.