AAL, one of the world’s leading global breakbulk and heavy lift operators, has been named ‘Best Maritime Cargo Provider 2014’ at the 2015 Cargo Logistics Canada Awards of Excellence, held in Vancouver as part of the Cargo Logistics Canada Expo & Conference. The award win follows a sustained two-year period of investment and development for AAL in the Pacific region, which has seen the establishment of its AAL Pacific Service, overseeing a unique combination of regular liner shipping and tailor-made tramp solutions for cargo transportation to destinations worldwide.  Testament to AAL’s commitment to further expanding its footprint in Canada and across the region, on the same day that it received its award, it also celebrated the inaugural call of AAL Singapore, an A-Class 31,000mt dwt, 2nd generation multipurpose heavy lift vessel at the Squamish Terminals, British Columbia. The vessel and crew successfully loaded a major consignment of pulp at Squamish Terminals (a deep-water breakbulk terminal located at the north end of Howe Sound - 32 nautical miles north of the Port of Vancouver), before continuing its regular North Asia – North America West Coast liner schedule.  Felix Schoeller, Line Manager of AAL’s Pacific Liner Service, commented: “As we celebrate our 20th year of operating, we are honoured to have been recognised by the CLC Awards of Excellence and remain firmly committed to developing our services across North America and the Pacific.  It is an important region for our customers and we are seeing increased growth and demand for our unique offering.  In providing both liner and dedicated tramp sailings, we offer customers efficient, trustworthy and highly flexible transportation solutions - wherever and whenever they need them and at the right price.”  Established in 1995, AAL operates the youngest fleet in the multipurpose heavy lift sector. It comprises of owned vessels, as well as chartered-in tonnage - all specifically designed and equipped to transport heavy lift and project cargoes, traditional breakbulk, earth moving equipment, wind energy and offshore equipment as well as floating cargo such as boats and yachts.