Feature, Freight News, Sea

AAL Uses ABB ‘Octopus’ to Embrace Super B Fleet

[ February 28, 2025   //   Gary G Burrows ]

Singaporean project heavy-lift carrier AAL Shipping, or AAL, has chosen the ABB Ability OCTOPUS marine advisory system to optimize operations of its high-performance fleet of Super B heavy-lift vessels.
ABB, the Swedish-Swiss electric engineering corporation, said its technology will help AAL enhance the safety and efficiency of its cargo-carrying operations.
AAL has four 32,000 deadweight tonnage ships in operation and four more due for delivery by 2026. The third-generation Super B-Class vessels have been designed for maximum flexibility to transport bulky, heavy and high-value loads. Deployed across varying and often challenging conditions worldwide, the heavy-lift vessels require special attention to ensure that operations are continuously optimized for safety and efficiency.
“Our OCTOPUS technology enables a wide range of shipping companies to operate leaner and cleaner,” said Jaap-Jan Stoker, global solutions manager, ABB Marine & Ports. “When it comes to monitoring and forecasting vessel motions, we have been the industry standard in segments such as container shipping and semi-submersibles for many years. Now other segments such as project cargo and offshore wind transportation also seek to gain enhanced insight into vessel motions to enable safer passage in varying weather conditions.”
ABB’s OCTOPUS package for AAL includes response forecasting and motion monitoring, which ensures vessel operations remain within allowable motion limitations. This helps to minimize the risk of damage to the ship and its cargo while also supporting route planning optimization. By maximizing fuel consumption efficiency, the feature also contributes to reduced carbon emissions per transported cargo unit.
“As a provider of a total multipurpose shipping solution, we have earned a reputation amongst our global client base for providing best-in-class shipping operations built on reliability and efficiency,” said Nicola Pacifico, head of transport engineering at AAL Shipping. “ABB’s OCTOPUS system provides us with unparalleled decision-making support. A key area of benefit is when we are sailing with the ‘AAL Eco-Deck’ in place along the starboard side of the vessel. When either using or planning to use the Eco-Deck, ABB’s OCTOPUS technology can aid us in monitoring and forecasting the potential reaction of our vessel to various modelled wave and weather conditions – crucial to planning safe and efficient sailings.”
According to Data Horizon Research, the multipurpose vessel market has experienced steady growth in recent years, driven by increasing global trade activities and the MPVs’ versatility. The market has been shifting towards larger and more technologically advanced vessels, capable of handling diverse cargo types while maintaining fuel efficiency and reducing environmental impact.

Tags: AAL Shipping