AAL SHIPPING is celebrating the completion of a major breakbulk and project cargo task – the delivery of components of the 500-megawatt Wambo Wind Farm from China to Queensland.
The Wambo Wind Farm is a 50:50 joint venture between Cubico Sustainable Investments, a major investor in the renewable energy sector globally and Stanwell, a Queensland Government-owned electricity generator.
AAL transported all 83 wind turbines from multiple upstream ports in China, including Dongzao, Lüsi, Tianjin and Taicang, to the port of Brisbane for their onward road trip to the wind farm near Jandowae on the Western Downs of Queensland – a site chosen for its excellent wind resources and grid connectivity.
The carrier accomplished this across 18 long-haul sailings that employed vessels from its 31,000 DWT A-Class; 25,800 DWT G-Class; and 19,000 DWT S-Class heavy lift fleets.
Each turbine comprised towers split into eight sections, with each weighing up to 90 metric tonnes; wind turbine blades of over 80 metres in length; and other components weighing up to 76 metric tonnes per unit.
AAL delivered its cargo in two project Stages between 2023 and 2025. Stage one involved 42 turbines being transported over nine sailings, and this month AAL Genoa successfully completed Stage Two – nine further sailings to deliver the final 41 turbines. The combined sailings required no less than nine different multipurpose heavy lift vessels.
Andrew Mangan, chartering manager at AAL Oceania said the carrier’s Engineering and Operations teams have a proven track record with handling complex cargoes and always open to exploring new ways of optimising cargo care and operational safety.
“On the wind blade shipments, we employed revolutionary synthetic lashing chains and slings made from a super-strong, lightweight fibre that resists abrasion and even floats on water,” Mr Mangan said.
“Unlike traditional steel chains – which can swing during lashing and risk damaging cargo – synthetic lashings significantly reduce that risk. Their light weight also improves crew safety and time efficiency, particularly when securing blades at height. We are now expanding the use of this technology in support of our customer operations.”
Frank Mueller, AAL’s General Manager Oceania, said: “Around 312,000 homes will now be powered by clean energy sources as a direct result of the team’s hard work on this long-term project. Australia has the potential to generate 82% percent of its energy from renewable sources by 2030, and I am proud of our work to support the transition and strengthen Australia’s energy security.
“As with many projects of this nature, shifting timelines were a challenge. However, we successfully adapted vessel deployments and sailing schedules to meet all changing demands. This flexibility reflects our long-term commitment to increasing both the efficiency and frequency of our regular Asia–Australia sailings – ensuring AAL customers continue to benefit from the region’s most reliable project heavy lift service.”
Footnote: On 3 Julu DCN reported Christophe Grammare has been promoted to be the Singapore-based company’s chief operating officer. Mr Grammare has clarified that this represents a change of title, and also that he has returned to be based in Brisbane, for family reasons.