AAL and Peter D?hle Schiffahrts-KG will launch a joint semi-liner service using multipurpose vessels with heavy-lift capability between Asia, the Middle East and Europe.

The companies said the new service will combine fixed routes with flexible port calls, using multiple classes of heavy-lift/multipurpose carriers. The ships will carry project, breakbulk, container and dry bulk cargo.

Singapore-based AAL has liner services linking Asia and the West Coast of North America and Asia and Australia, and semi-liner trades between Asia and the U.S. Gulf and East Coasts and in the intra-Asia trade.

“AAL has operated tramp and liner services side-by-side for many years, so we understand the demands of managing regular scheduled services, alongside bespoke chartering solutions,” said Mark Willim, general manager of AAL’s Tramp & Projects Division.

The companies already cooperate on global tramp services. The new semi-liner service will mesh with Hamburg-based Peter D?hle’s Europe-Africa services with those of AAL to and from Asia, the Americas, and the Middle East.

"We’ve addressed customer demands for a more regular and defined schedule, in combination with present tramp flexibility for off-route contracts and requirements,” said John Jensen, general manager of chartering at Peter D?hle