AAL Shipping (AAL) moved 192 units of UN3480 lithium-ion Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) cargo from Taicang, China, to Newcastle, Australia, using its 31,000 dwt heavy lift vessel AAL Brisbane. The shipment formed part of a wider programme covering 720 units for the project, supporting a major grid-connected battery development in Australia.
Each unit measured 3.1 m (L) × 2.06 m (W) × 2.66 m (H) and weighed 14 t. The IMO Category 9 cargo was carried as deck cargo, with AAL Brisbane securing the units on the 3,000 m2 upper deck across the hatch covers in line with IMO Dangerous Goods requirements.
Jack Zhou, General Manager and Chief Representative of China at AAL Shipping (AAL), said preparing the IMO-classified cargo included completing required hot work, including welding D-rings for lashing. He added that the crew and Caro Superintendent (CSI) executed the stowage layout and lashing plan precisely to maintain safety and efficiency through the voyage.
The move was performed under AAL Shipping (AAL)’s Asia–Australia East Coast Liner Service (AUEC), providing end-to-end transport for multipurpose cargo ranging from smaller parcels to heavy lift consignments. In 2025, the carrier transported almost 3,000 BESS units over 29 voyages, supported by dedicated teams, detailed stowage planning, and adherence to IMO Dangerous Goods rules for segregation, stability, and onboard safety.