Company Announcement - AAL, one of the world’s leading global breakbulk and heavy lift operators, today announced the opening of a new office in Vancouver, Canada.  This continues the company’s global expansion strategy, which has, in the same month, seen the opening of AAL Korea.  The move strengthens the company’s on-the-ground presence and customer support function in a region experiencing growth and development.  AAL is also one of the first global shipping operators established in Vancouver to have benefited from the support of the newly launched Vancouver International Maritime Centre.

With its popular ‘Pacific Service’, connecting North Asia with North America’s West Coast and Canada, through scheduled monthly liner sailings, AAL is already enjoying a growing presence and reputation in the Canadian market.  The establishment of AAL Canada enables the operator to enhance its services further to the region’s key industry sectors, including LNG, oil, mining and forestry. Moreover, its growing fleet of modern, multipurpose and heavy lift vessels (that can accommodate project and heavy lift cargo, alongside dry bulk – such as pulp and steel), offers AAL’s customers a very high degree of flexibility and efficiency.

“Vancouver is a major shipping hub and gateway into Canada, and it makes strategic and commercial sense to have a physical presence here as we strengthen our commitment to the North American market.  We have the team and infrastructure in place to add real value for our customers – whatever their industry sector, or cargo booking requirement.” said Felix Schoeller, General Manager of AAL’s Pacific Service.

Bernard Huizenga, Business Development Manager for AAL Canada, commented: ‘The launch of AAL Canada brings our brand closer to local shippers and provides them with greater levels of communication, competitiveness and partnership, with the ability to respond to their needs in an efficient, cost-effective, safe and reliable manner.”

The establishment of AAL Canada follows the recent launch of the Vancouver International Maritime Centre (VIMC), which was established to promote Vancouver as a prime location for the international shipping industry.  AAL is one of the first operators to work alongside the VIMC and benefit from the professional services offered by the city.

VIMC CEO and Chairman, Graham Clarke, stated: “We are thrilled to be welcoming AAL to Vancouver and are committed to continue in assisting them as they grow their operations in Vancouver.”