The AAL Hamburg vessel carried 16 large barges from Brazil to Uruguay, marking the formal start of AAL’s regular activities in South America in the multipurpose transport segment. multipurpose transport (MPP) (MPP) SEGMENT.
MPP service in South America with high impact
Each barge transported is 61 meters long, 15 meters high and weighs between 380 and 400 tons. In total, 80,000 tons of cargo were transported along 3,400 kilometers of maritime route. The AAL Hamburg integrated the barges on four transverse levels, achieving a lateral overhang of 15 meters per side, which is unusual in the industry.
The vessel used its own 700-ton capacity crane system, which avoided the use of external floating cranes. This autonomy was key to ensuring stability and safety in a challenging logistical configuration.
Mining-river link between Brazil and Uruguay
The main objective of the transport is to incorporate these barges into the regional river transport network, which connects the mining areas of Brazil with Uruguayan ports through the Paraguay-Parana waterway. This strategic waterway enables the transport of minerals such as iron and manganese with greater environmental and logistical efficiency than overland transport.
The use of multipurpose vessels for barge loading for barge loading represents a significant improvement in the region’s mineral export capacity. This operation is expected to reduce logistics costs, increase Brazil’s competitiveness as a global commodity supplier and boost local employment.
Innovation in design and methodology
The ECO-DECK system, designed by AAL, was a key element in enabling the safe stacking of the barges. This retractable platform facilitates a larger operating surface without compromising seaworthiness, which represents an innovative solution within the heavy lift transport.
Both AAL’s engineering and chartering teams in the Americas worked closely together to overcome the structural challenges of the operation. According to Eugene Nutovych, AAL Americas Chartering Manager, this experience will bring strategic value to future oversized cargo projects.
Regional expansion with sustainable projection
This move lays the groundwork for AAL’s regular MPP service in South America. By incorporating sustainable river solutions and self-sufficient vessels, the company strengthens its portfolio of highly complex logistics services.
With this operation, AAL Shipping reinforces its position as a reference in multipurpose maritime transportation in the southern hemisphere, opening new routes for the trade of key raw materials from the Southern Cone to the world.
Source and photo: AAL Shipping