AAL Shipping (AAL), a leading Project Heavy Lift Carrier, achieved a milestone this summer by successfully transporting over 12,800 Freight Tonnes (FRT) of heavy lift project cargo from South Korean ports to Beaumont, Texas. The record-breaking shipment, which included an AGR Absorber, marked the heaviest unit ever handled on AAL’s Asia-Americas Regular Trade Lane.
A Complex Operation Unveiled
AAL undertook this challenging operation utilizing its 31,000-deadweight heavy lift vessel, the AAL Brisbane. The cargo, destined for a major LNG project in Texas, featured diverse components totaling 12,800 FRT. Notably, the shipment included a colossal 607-metric tonne AGR Absorber, measuring nearly 39 meters, designed for the removal of H2S, CO2, and other organic sulfurs from raw feed gas. Additional heavy lift units encompassed a 40-meter, 436-metric tonne HP MR Absorber, and three Dehydrators, each weighing just under 200 tonnes.
Henrik Hansen, General Manager of AAL Americas, emphasized the significance of this achievement, stating, “The largest unit of 607 metric tons was the heaviest piece ever lifted and carried by AAL on our trade lane between Asia and North America.” The success of the operation, Hansen noted, was attributed to the collaborative relationship with the shippers and the AAL Brisbane’s unique capabilities.
Technical Challenges and Unwavering Success
Transporting such massive cargo presented technical challenges, with the loading and discharging processes involving precise ballast water techniques to ensure the vessel’s stability. The AAL Brisbane, classified as an A-Class second-generation premium heavy lift vessel, boasting a lifting capacity of 700 tonnes and a cargo intake of 40,000 CBM, demonstrated its prowess in handling the intricate shipment.
The entire discharge operation in Beaumont took 113 hours, with the largest unit alone requiring three and a half hours. Hansen acknowledged the dedication of AAL’s engineers, operations team, and the vessel’s highly experienced crew for the successful execution of this intricate project.
A Boost to US Energy Security
Beyond the LNG cargo, the AAL Brisbane also transported general and project cargoes to various destinations in the United States, catering to diverse industry sectors. The LNG facility in Texas, with an estimated send-out capacity of around 18 million tonnes per year, is poised to generate hundreds of direct jobs and contribute to enhancing US energy security by exporting clean energy globally.
In summary, AAL’s recent feat underscores its commitment to pushing boundaries in maritime logistics, setting new records, and contributing to vital energy projects on a global scale.
