The Energy Industries Council (EIC) has awarded premium multipurpose, heavy lift carrier AAL Shipping (AAL) the Innovation & Digital Award at the World Energy Supply Chain Awards (WESCA) 2024 APAC.

The award recognises AAL’s contribution to the energy sector, particularly the innovations from the past year that has enabled the shipping operator to increase its scope in energy projects of all kinds while bringing greater levels of efficiency and emissions reductions to its operations and clients.

A particular highlight for AAL has been the delivery and deployment of the newbuild Super B-Class fleet, of which four vessels out of the eight-strong order are now busy plying their trade supporting energy customers worldwide.

A critical design change compared to the other multipurpose, heavy lift ships in the fleet is the revolutionary retractable weather deck extension system, the ‘AAL ECO-DECK’. This boosts the clear deck space to over 5,000 sq m and brings a host of benefits for energy clients including greater economies of scale, which in turn reduces the number of voyages required and thus the costs, fuel, time and emissions.

Emissions reduction is a core feature of the Super B-Class. In addition to the superior cargo intake capabilities reducing the number of voyages, the dual fuel vessels meet the highest possible emission standards and are methanol ready. Further fuel-efficiency measures from AAL include the use of digital solutions such as the Performance and Optimisation Control Room (POCR), in partnership with sister company Columbia Shipmanagement, offering routing technology to enhance sailing efficiency.

“We at AAL regularly reinvest in new innovations to enhance our services and offering to our global energy customers – be it digital solutions for emissions reduction or larger investments in the future of the energy sector with the Super B-Class vessels,” said Kyriacos Panayides, CEO of AAL Shipping. “Not only have these vessels been purpose-built to handle the energy components being moved today, but their design also anticipates the future requirements of the sector, ensuring they can be relied upon for years to come.

“It is a great honour to be recognised by the EIC with the Innovation & Digital Award 2024and be amongst the energy sector’s top supply chain players. It is recognition for our teams’ hard work and their solution-driven approach.”