A global shipper of breakbulk and project cargo is turning its attention to the North Coast as Singapore-based AAL announced it is now offering monthly service to Prince Rupert.
The company first called on the Ridley Island roll-on, roll-off cargo terminal on May 10 with a cargo of process units destined for oil sands development in Alberta. Given its rail and road ties to the energy industry in Alberta, AAL Pacific Service manager Felix Schoeller said coming to Prince Rupert just makes sense.
"This expansion provides our oil & gas customers with far greater access to Northern Alberta mining projects. By expanding this liner route and port network across the Pacific North West, we multiply our customers' options and choice – ultimately impacting on the efficiency, delivery and overall competitiveness of their projects," he said.
Prince Rupert Port Authority manager of corporate communications Michael Gurney welcomed the addition of the monthly service and said there is potential for even greater growth at the Ridley Island terminal.
"We're pleased that the Port of Prince Rupert's project cargo facility is operational, and being served by such respected carriers as AAL," he said, noting the facility is designed to handle "oversize, bulky or irregularly-shaped products" that can't be stuffed into containers.
"This is another example of how the Port of Prince Rupert is increasing its versatility and diversification, adding new types of cargo to enhance the port's overall resiliency and growth ... 415 metric tonnes of project cargo were moved in April, and monthly volumes are expected to increase."