AAL Limassol Completes Record-Breaking Maiden Voyage to Europe
AAL Limassol, the first next-generation methanol-ready multipurpose vessel from Singapore-based AAL Shipping, has successfully completed its maiden voyage to Europe.
The 32,000 dwt Super B-Class newbuild arrived in Cuxhaven, Germany, delivering over 89,000 freight tons of multipurpose cargo in a single journey—setting a new record for the carrier.
“A Significant Milestone for AAL”
“The delivery and maiden voyage of the AAL Limassol has been a highlight of the year for AAL,” said Christophe Grammare, Managing Director at AAL Shipping.
He added, “The Super B-Class vessels have exceeded our expectations. With the ‘AAL Hamburg’ now in service and the ‘AAL Houston’ soon to follow, we are further strengthening our fleet of highly capable multipurpose heavy lift tonnage, with five more vessels to join the roster.”
AAL Limassol’s Launch and Maiden Voyage
The AAL Limassol was launched in China in January 2024 and delivered to AAL Shipping at a naming ceremony held in April at the CSSC Huangpu Wenchong Shipyard in Guangzhou.
Shortly after, the vessel embarked on its maiden voyage from Asia to Europe, carrying a diverse array of heavy lift and project cargo. The vessel’s last stop in Asia was at the Indian Port of Tuticorin.
After securing the cargo, AAL Limassol departed Tuticorin, transiting around the Cape of Good Hope and through the English Channel. The vessel made its first European port of call at Klaipeda, where it discharged wind turbine blades, before continuing to Rotterdam, Antwerp, and finally Cuxhaven to deliver the remaining heavy cargo.
Setting New Records
“The highest volume carried on our A-Class fleet to date was around 64,000 freight tons. AAL Limassol’s maiden voyage set a new record with over 89,000 freight tons—approximately 40% more cargo in a single voyage,” said Valentin Gherciu, Head of Operations at AAL Shipping.
The Super B-Class: A New Standard in Shipping
The Super B-Class vessels are designed to meet the highest automation and emission standards, complying with IMO regulations on emissions and sustainability.
These dual-fuel, methanol-ready vessels are powered by MAN main engines of 7,380 kW, supported by auxiliary diesel generators (2 x 1,700 kW and 1 x 1,065 kW). They are NOx Tier III compliant with HPSCR and EEDI phase 3 compliant, boasting a projected service speed of 14.5 knots.
The vessels also feature modern ballast water treatment systems and hull coatings that enhance fuel efficiency and reduce CO2 emissions. Each unit can accommodate over 42,000 cbm of cargo on a single voyage.
The weather deck space of 146 x 26 meters includes a retractable deck extension system—‘AAL ECO-DECK’—designed by AAL’s engineering team to increase stowage space further.
Looking Ahead
A month ago, the second ship in the class—AAL Hamburg—was named in Guangzhou. It will join AAL Limassol in trading on key routes from Asia to Europe, America, and Australia.
The remaining ships in the Super B-Class will be named after major breakbulk ports, including AAL Antwerp, AAL Houston, AAL Dubai, and AAL Dammam.
