Heavy-lift carriers join forces

Ocean carriers AAL and Peter Döhle, both specialists in multipurpose heavy-lift cargo, have entered into a global cooperation agreement.    Heavy-lift ocean carriers AAL and Peter Döhle have entered into a global cooperation agreement. 
   The carriers said in a joint statement they will “share their experiences, resources and hardware across the world to offer joint tramp and project services.” However, they emphasized that they will remain independent, with separate ownerships, operations and identities.
   AAL and Peter Döhle collectively operate 26 multipurpose heavy-lift vessels, ranging from 12,000 to 31,000 deadweight tons.
   Under the cooperation, AAL will handle operations East of the Suez and in the Americas, while Peter Döhle will oversee activities in Europe and Africa.  
   “In a market where competition has been consolidated into larger operating entities, we and our customers stand to benefit immensely from economies of scale, a far greater reach within the market place and no risk of losing individual customer focus,” said Namir Khanbabi, AAL’s tramp and project division managing director.