The project heavy-lift carrier, AAL Shipping, has hit a new milestone in the construction of its first Super B class multipurpose vessel, the AAL Limassol. The first vessel in the series of six has been launched at the CSSC Huangpu Wenchong Shipyard in Guangzhou, China. 

The launch of AAL Limassol was completed on December 21, 2023. According to the company, available from 2024, these innovative third-generation heavy-lifters have been designed to be the most competent MPPs in the water.

The Super B Class vessels can accommodate over 42,000 cbm of cargo, with three 350 mt heavy lift cranes – combinable to a 700 mt max. lift. They feature 3,880 square metres of clear weather deck space, with extendable pontoons on the starboard side, to expand cargo stowage space further. Below deck, two large box-shaped cargo holds are optimised for dry bulk and feature adjustable triple decks and no centre-line bulkhead. With the superstructure positioned forward, there is unobscured sailing visibility and no physical restriction on cargo height.

The vessels are also adapted to sail with open hatch covers, enabling extremely tall and over-dimensional units to be safely stowed in the hold space.

The 32,000 deadweight AAL Limassol is currently undergoing preparations for the next stage in its construction, taking place towards the end of this year. Project Cargo Journal was informed earlier this year that the first vessel in a series of six could be delivered ahead of time, due to good construction progress.

It is worth reminding that AAL Shipping has already laid the keel for AAL Hamburg, the second vessel in the series. The company has also recently cut steel for the fifth vessel in the series, the AAL Dubai.