AAL Shipping Opens New Project Cargo Gateway Into Sri Lanka With Maiden Call To Trincomalee
AAL Shipping (AAL) has completed its first-ever port call in Trincomalee, Sri Lanka, establishing a new project cargo gateway into the country while delivering critical wind energy components for the HayWind Mannar Wind Farm project.
The operation marks the latest expansion of AAL’s global project cargo network and demonstrates the carrier’s ability to support complex heavy lift movements into emerging markets and developing infrastructure hubs.
The cargo movement was secured through a collaboration between AAL Middle East and the carrier’s Chief Representative in India. Across two sailings, AAL transported 64,000 freight tonnes (FRT) of wind farm components from China to Sri Lanka using its 19,000-dwt S-Class vessels, AAL Bangkok and AAL Nanjing.
The shipment comprised components for ten complete 100-metre-high wind turbines, including towers, blades, nacelles, hubs and associated equipment required for the 50MW HayWind Mannar Wind Farm project.
The HayWind Mannar Wind Farm represents Sri Lanka’s largest private investment in wind power to date. The project cargo solution provided by AAL enabled the delivery of all ten 5MW turbines by July 2026, supporting the project’s planned grid connection in March 2027. Once operational, the facility is expected to generate power while reducing carbon emissions by approximately 186,000 metric tonnes annually.
Despite challenging monsoon conditions during its inaugural call to Trincomalee, AAL successfully completed two complex discharge operations, demonstrating its ability to safely and efficiently deliver project cargoes into ports not traditionally associated with large-scale renewable energy developments.
“Our maiden call to Trincomalee demonstrates AAL’s ability to deliver project cargoes directly to emerging destinations beyond our traditional trade routes,” said Karim Smaili, General Manager Middle East, AAL Shipping.
“As supply chains evolve, customers are increasingly seeking direct access to regional locations, and this project highlights our capability to support those requirements safely and efficiently. We are particularly proud that this shipment supports Sri Lanka’s renewable energy ambitions and long-term infrastructure development.”
