The AAL Antwerp has marked both her own and the wider AAL Shipping (AAL) Super B-Class fleet’s maiden call in Dover with the successful delivery of a 330-tonne transformer and associated project cargo units. The components are to be used in the ongoing redevelopment of the Sellindge Substation, a key facility within the UK National Grid.

The AAL Antwerp docked in the Port of Dover.

The vessel’s long-haul voyage from Asia to Europe showcased the exceptional cargo intake and heavy-lift capabilities of AAL’s new Super B-Class fleet, along with the parcelling expertise of the carrier’s engineering and operations team – delivering significant economies of scale on a single sailing for multiple shippers.

Captain Kotiukov (left) of AAL Antwerp handing over a commemorative plaque on the Bridge to Robert Alexander (Cargo Operations Manager, Port of Dover) to celebrate the inaugural call of the ship to the Port of Dover.

The Dover-bound cargo was loaded in Taicang, China. From there, the AAL Antwerp proceeded to Taichung and Nantong to load steel frames and several barges. After navigating around the Cape of Good Hope and through the English Channel, she first discharged her barges in Rotterdam, Netherlands, followed by steel frames in Cuxhaven, Germany. The vessel then made her call in Dover for the delivery of the transformer and other components, before continuing to her final discharge port in Antwerp, Belgium.

View from the deck of AAL Antwerp as the transformer is lifted from the hold.

Launched in 2024, AAL’s Super B-Class fleet consists of eight 32,000-deadweight heavy lift vessels. Each ship features over 90,000 FRT cargo intake capacity, three heavy-lift cranes with tandem lifting capability of up to 700 metric tonnes (with some vessels equipped with 800 tonnes), enhanced deck strength and crane outreach, flexible hold configurations, and the innovative ‘ECO-DECK’ system. This unique retractable feature uses repositionable tween deck pontoons to extend open deck space to over 5,000 square metres.

AAL and Port of Dover teams safely discharge the transformer from AAL Antwerp to a waiting flatbed.

“The Port of Dover is a strategic gateway into the United Kingdom. With the launch of our new Super B-Class fleet, expanded tonnage capabilities, and increasing sailing frequency, we’ve seen a sharp rise in calls to the region – particularly in support of national energy infrastructure projects across both its renewable and conventional sectors,” said John Pittalis, Global Head of Marketing & Communications, AAL Shipping.

Six Super B-Class vessels have already been delivered and are operating globally. The AAL Dammam was unveiled last month at the CSSC Huangpu Wenchong Shipyard in Guangzhou, China. The final two vessels – AAL Newcastle and AAL Mumbai – are due for delivery in 2026 and will offer upgraded heavy lift capacity of 800 metric tonnes.

View of the 330-tonne tandem heavy lift from two of AAL Antwerp’s three on board cranes as seen from the Bridge.

Emma Ward, Chief Operations Officer at the Port of Dover, said: “We are delighted to welcome the AAL Antwerp on her maiden call to Dover. This milestone highlights the port’s capability to handle some of the world’s most advanced heavy-lift vessels and complex project cargo operations. The successful delivery of the 330-tonne transformer and associated components marks an important step in strengthening the UK’s energy infrastructure. Projects like the Sellindge Substation redevelopment are vital to ensuring a resilient and future-ready electricity grid, and we are proud that the Port of Dover plays a central role in supporting them.”

Following the successful discharge, the Port of Dover unveiled a commemorative plaque to mark the inaugural call of AAL’s Super B-Class fleet.
Source: AAL