AAL Shipping has successfully completed one of its most complex engineering operations to date, transporting 16 bulk-commodity transport barges in a single voyage from Brazil to Uruguay. The project utilized the advanced capabilities of the 32,000 dwt Super B-Class vessel AAL HAMBURG, marking a significant step in establishing AAL’s regular presence in South America.
The barges will support regional mining logistics by enabling the transport of iron and manganese ore via inland waterways from Brazil to Uruguay for export. This shift is expected to improve capacity for eco-efficient bulk transport and strengthen Brazil’s position within the global commodities market. The minerals will move along the Paraguay–Paraná Waterway, a crucial 2,500 km corridor linking five South American nations to the Atlantic.
Each barge measures 61 metres long and weighs up to 400 tonnes. Loading took several days, with the barges positioned in a rare four-tier transverse stack, including a 15-metre overhang on both sides of the vessel. This innovative configuration—made possible by AAL’s ECO-DECK retractable deck-extension system—allowed 16 barges to be carried at once, far exceeding conventional cargo capabilities.
“The significant overhang created major stability challenges,” said Yahaya Sanusi, Deputy Head of AAL Engineering. “But through forward-thinking engineering and strong collaboration across the supply chain, we delivered safely and efficiently.”
Senior Chartering Manager Eugene Nutovych added: “This project has pushed boundaries and provided invaluable experience for future developments.”
