AAL Shipping (AAL) has transported 192 UN3480 lithium-ion Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) units from Taicang, China, to Newcastle, Australia, aboard its 31,000 dwt heavy lift vessel AAL Brisbane, supporting one of Australia’s largest grid-connected battery projects.
The shipment is part of a wider series totaling 720 units. Each unit measured 3.1 m x 2.66 m x 2.06 m and weighed 14 tonnes. The Category 9 lithium-ion cargo was stowed on the vessel’s 3,000 m2 upper deck across the hatch covers in full compliance with IMO Dangerous Goods regulations.
Jack Zhou, AAL’s General Manager and Chief Representative of China, said a critical step before loading was completing all required hot work, including welding D-rings for lashing. He added that precise execution of the stowage and lashing plan by the crew and cargo superintendent was essential to ensure safe and efficient transport.
The voyage was performed under AAL’s Asia–Australia East Coast Liner Service (AUEC), which handles a wide range of multipurpose and heavy lift cargo across the region.
AAL has built strong experience in BESS logistics, moving nearly 3,000 units across 29 voyages in 2025 alone. The carrier credits dedicated project teams, strict compliance with IMO Dangerous Goods rules, and detailed stowage planning to ensure proper segregation, vessel stability and safety.
The battery units will be installed at a grid-scale project on the site of a former power station, supporting grid stability as more renewable energy comes online. The first phase is expected to provide enough storage to supply almost 800,000 homes, with later stages increasing capacity by more than 50 percent, helping reduce reliance on fossil fuels and support Australia’s energy transition.
