AAL gets more miles to the gallon

SINGAPORE-headquartered AAL Shipping has reported a 19% improvement in its fleet-wide Energy Efficiency Operational Indicator (EEOI) since 2023.

The heavylift, project and breakbulk specialist says its EEOI improved from 17.80 in 2023 to 14.40 in 2025, meaning that less carbon dioxide was emitted for each tonne of cargo transported per nautical mile. The improvement reflects AAL’s ability to handle fleet growth and higher cargo volumes more efficiently while reducing emissions intensity, the carrier says.

The results, detailed in AAL’s 2025 Sustainability Report, come as the maritime industry adapts to an increasingly stringent environmental landscape, including FuelEU Maritime, the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) and the proposed IMO Net-Zero Framework. The Framework aims to support international shipping’s transition towards net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by, or around, 2050 through a global marine fuel standard and a greenhouse gas emissions pricing mechanism.

AAL Shipping global head of operations, Markus Remmers. Image: AAL Shipping

“We view the proposed IMO Net-Zero Framework, which is widely anticipated to shape the next phase of global maritime decarbonisation, as a positive step for the environment and an important driver of the industry’s transition towards net-zero emissions,” Markus Remmers, global head of operations at AAL Shipping, said.

“AAL’s resilient supply chain and operational capabilities enable us to adapt to evolving regulatory requirements while continuing to support complex project cargo movements worldwide. Early, transparent engagement with customers is essential, allowing us to develop practical, cost-effective solutions that work for all parties well ahead of implementation deadlines, minimising disruption to project execution.”

AAL says a key contributor to the improvement is the third-generation 32,000 DWT Super B-Class fleet, introduced from 2024. With cargo intake capacities exceeding 90,000 FRT and lifting capabilities of up to 800 tonnes, the vessels recorded the strongest energy-efficiency performance across the fleet, achieving average EEOI values of 4.27 in 2024 and 4.99 in 2025 –  all while retaining the heavy lift capability and operational flexibility customers depend on.

Alongside fleet modernisation, AAL is also strengthening performance through voyage optimisation, advanced vessel monitoring and digital technologies that support fuel efficiency and data-driven decision-making across its global operations.

Fundamental to the design and development of the Super B-Class fleet, Yahaya Sanusi, deputy head of engineering at AAL Shipping, suggests, is that customers increasingly want logistics partners that can support both project execution and sustainability objectives.

“By designing and investing in more efficient vessels alongside smarter operations, we are delivering tangible results today while building a fleet that is ready for the next stage of the industry's low-carbon transition.”

The company also reported zero environmental incidents between 2023 and 2025, underscoring the strength of its environmental management systems, process controls and crew training programmes.