Singapore-based project carrier AAL Shipping (AAL) has released its 2024 Sustainability Report, revealing it achieved 95% of its Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) targets across land and sea operations, despite an expanding global footprint.
The report, structured in accordance with Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) standards, reflects a comprehensive commitment to sustainability embedded throughout AAL’s international operations. According to AAL Chairman Heinrich Schoeller, the company’s ESG success stems from consistent stakeholder collaboration over the course of three decades. He stressed that sustainable operations are not just an ethical obligation but also a long-term value driver for customers, communities, suppliers, and staff.
The data-rich report doesn’t rely on glossy pledges or vague commitments. It lays out measurable progress, especially in the environmental arena, where AAL recorded a reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions compared to its 2021 baseline—even with a larger fleet and expanded office presence.
Super B-Class Vessels Drive Decarbonisation
The biggest contributor to AAL’s emissions reduction was the operational deployment of four Super B-Class vessels—each with a 32,000-deadweight capacity. Designed with methanol-ready engines, low-friction hull coatings, and next-gen route optimisation software, these vessels are engineered to reduce fuel consumption and emissions per unit of cargo.
“2024 marked a major milestone in our decarbonisation journey,” said Steward Chen, AAL’s Research and Analytics Manager. “By transporting more cargo per sailing, we’ve been able to reduce the number of voyages required—lowering our total emissions while increasing delivery efficiency.”
These vessels now serve energy-intensive sectors such as offshore wind, oil and gas, and civil infrastructure—sectors where project cargo often includes irregular and heavy-lift loads. The ability to consolidate and move more cargo per trip not only cuts carbon but also improves project timelines for clients.
Diversity and Local Impact
In terms of Social performance, AAL highlighted its workforce diversity, covering ethnicity, culture, and social background. The report details various internal programmes supporting staff development, including company-sponsored postgraduate studies and technical training. Beyond internal operations, AAL invested in community outreach focused on local well-being initiatives—reinforcing its long-standing philosophy of integrating local engagement into global operations.
This human-centric approach is not new to AAL, but the 2024 report formalises its growing importance in the company’s long-term strategic planning. The company’s message is clear: employees are not just a cost centre—they’re essential partners in sustainable growth.
Governance and Compliance
On Governance, AAL underscored enhanced due diligence, sanctions compliance, and anti-corruption protocols. These are not just policies on paper. The company reported zero cases of corruption, sanctions breaches, or cybersecurity incidents during the 2024 reporting year.
The report notes AAL’s active membership in the Maritime Anti-Corruption Network (MACN), reinforcing its commitment to ethical transparency in maritime logistics. In a sector still prone to regulatory grey zones, such public accountability remains rare—and meaningful.
Additionally, the report’s transparency was externally validated. AAL received the Silver Award at the Asia Sustainability Reporting Awards, and the 2024 edition was developed in collaboration with Grow Sustainability Consulting—a move that underscores the company’s commitment to third-party oversight and reporting integrity.
