Multipurpose carrier AAL Shipping has transported 192 UN3480 lithium-ion battery energy storage systems (BESS) units from Taicang, China, to Newcastle, Australia.
Deploying its 31,000-dwt heavy lift vessel AAL Brisbane, the shipment was destined for one of Australia’s most significant grid-connected battery development projects. In total, AAL will deliver 720 units for the project.
Each of the units measured 3.1 m x 2.66 m x 2.06 m and weighed 14 tonnes, with AAL stowing the cargo on the 3,000 sq m upper deck across the ship’s hatch covers.
“A critical step in preparing the IMO-classified cargo for loading is the completion of all required ‘hot work’, including welding the D-rings used for lashing,” explained Jack Zhou, AAL’s general manager and chief representative of China. “On loading, it was essential that the stowage positioning and lashing plan was executed by our crew and Caro Superintendent (CSI) with precision to ensure the safe and efficient transportation of these units.”
The large-scale grid-connected battery development where the BESS units will be deployed, is on the site of a former power station. Designed to help stabilise the electricity grid as more renewable energy comes online, the project’s first stage will provide enough storage to supply almost 800,000 homes with electricity, with future stages due to boost capacity by upwards of 50 percent.
Zhou added: “As BESS unit sizes grow, regulations tighten and demand accelerates, AAL remains committed to investing in fleet capability, safety expertise, and schedule reliability to support our customers and the wider clean-energy supply chain.”
