AAL Shipping (AAL) has successfully completed the loading of 13 newly built 2,900-ton mineral barges for LHG Mining, on board the 32,000dwt Super B-Class ‘AAL Antwerp’.

The shipment marks the beginning of a landmark collaboration between Enseada Shipyard and Tenenge (both part of the Novonor Group), supporting the revival of Brazil's shipbuilding industry and the broader economic development across the state of Bahia.

The 13 barges transported by ‘AAL Antwerp’ will be integrated into LHG Mining's fleet. They will operate along the Paraguay–Paraná waterway, and with a maximum intake of 3,200mts they will transport iron ore from the company's operations in Mato Grosso do Sul to its export terminal in Nueva Palmira.

"This program is a strategic logistics investment for LHG Mining, and the safe shipment of each barge is a critical step in bringing new transport capacity to Brazil," said Pablo Zengarini, International Logistics Specialist at LHG Mining.

"The coordination required across shipyard operations, river logistics on the Paraguay–Paraná waterway and ocean transport to Nueva Palmira is substantial, and the reliable execution at each stage is essential."

Following its return to full operation in 2025, Enseada Shipyard has rapidly re-established itself as one of Brazil's most capable shipbuilding facilities.

The project has already generated 600 direct jobs and up to 900 indirect jobs, providing substantial economic stimulus to the Bahia region. In total, around 80 barges will be built from the Enseada Shipyard.

With its newly established presence in South America, AAL's Super B-Class fleet will facilitate the barge movements over the next year.

Leveraging the next-generation capabilities of AAL's 32,000dwt Super B-Class vessels, combined with their EPC-grade engineering and operational expertise; this shipment represents another successful stage in the ongoing collaboration between AAL and LHG Mining.

The first shipment in the series was successfully completed in November 2025 by ‘AAL Hamburg’.

"These sailings reflect the kind of detailed engineering and project execution that complex industrial logistics programs demand," said Eugene Nutovych, senior chartering manager, AAL Americas. "We are pleased to support our customer and its partners as Brazil's shipbuilding activity gains new momentum and as LHG Mining strengthens its integrated river and sea export chain."

In January, a symbolic ceremony held at the Enseada Shipyard in Maragogipe (Bahia) marked the official handover of the first barges constructed at the facility in nearly six years. The event was attended by the Governor of Bahia, Jeronimo Rodrigues, Senator Jacques Wagner and senior state officials, underlining the strategic importance of the project for industrial growth, logistics expansion and long-term job creation across the region.