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AAL Shipping Expands Super B-Class Order

[ April 1, 2026   //   Gary Burrows ]

AAL Shipping has unveiled its latest Super B-Class vessel, AAL Newcastle, and announced two additional newbuildings as it expands capacity for heavy-lift cargo.

The vessel was named at CSSC Huangpu Wenchong Shipyard. In a statement, AAL Shipping said AAL Tianjin and AAL Miami will join the fleet in early 2028, bringing the Super B-Class series to 10 vessels.

“The AAL Newcastle and her sister newbuild vessels embody AAL’s commitment to continuous improvement and customer-driven innovation,” said CEO Kyriacos Panayides.

The 32,000-deadweight-ton vessels are designed for complex project cargo, with crane capacity increased to 400 tonnes from 350 tonnes and combined lifting capability of 800 tonnes.

“As cargo requirements evolve, particularly in the offshore renewable energy sector, our fleet must evolve with them,” said Yahaya Sanusi, deputy head of engineering.

Additional upgrades include a 26-meter lifting beam and extended hook outreach to improve handling of oversized cargo.

AAL Shipping said the newbuild program reflects its long-term fleet strategy and growing demand for heavy-lift vessels.

Tags: AAL Shipping, CSSC Huangpu Wenchong Shipyard