AAL chose ABB’s Ability Octopus

AAL Shipping (AAL), a project heavy lift cargo operator based in Singapore, has selected the ABB Ability OCTOPUS – Marine Advisory System to improve operational efficiency and safety across its Super B-Class heavy lift vessels.

AAL currently operates four 32,000 deadweight tonnage vessels, with four additional ships scheduled for delivery by 2026. The third-generation Super B-Class vessels are designed to handle oversized, heavy, and high-value cargo in varying conditions. Given the operational complexity, continuous optimisation for safety and efficiency is a priority.

OCTOPUS is widely used for motion monitoring and forecasting in the semi-submersible sector and is increasingly being adopted in the project cargo and offshore wind industries. The system provides response forecasting and motion monitoring to help ensure that vessel operations remain within defined motion parameters, reducing the risk of damage to cargo and optimizing route planning. The software also includes tools for improving fuel efficiency, which can contribute to lower emissions.

According to Nicola Pacifico, head of transport engineering at AAL Shipping, the OCTOPUS system will provide additional decision-making support, particularly when using the ‘AAL Eco-Deck,’ an additional deck space along the vessel’s starboard side. The system assists in monitoring and forecasting vessel behavior in different wave and weather conditions, aiding in voyage planning.

Jaap-Jan Stoker, global solutions manager at ABB Marine & Ports, noted that OCTOPUS has been widely used in container shipping and semi-submersible sectors and is now seeing increased demand in project cargo and offshore wind transportation due to the need for improved motion monitoring in variable weather conditions.

Industry research indicates that the multi-purpose vessel market has been growing steadily, driven by global trade expansion and demand for more technologically advanced vessels that offer improved cargo handling and fuel efficiency.