AAL-Hong-Kong-08072013_029_webVANCOUVER, Wash.—The Port of Vancouver USA welcomed the AAL Hong Kong commanded by Capt. Zeljko Presecan of Croatia on her maiden voyage to the United States on August 7, 2013.

 Presecan and his 22-member Filipino, Russian and Croatian crew were welcomed to Vancouver by Tommy Hayes, port captain for AAL; Ion Badea, Jim Horne and Beth Sanchez from Norton Lilly International; Mike Titone from Columbia River Steamship Operators Association (CRSOA); and representatives from the Port of Vancouver USA.

 The vessel was built in China this year and was launched June 25, 2013. The AAL Hong Kong is a new generation multi-purpose vessel with a maximum lifting capability of 700 metric tons. Austral Asia Line is the owner and operator of the ship. The vessel is 636 feet in length and has a deadweight capacity of 31,123 metric tons. The agents for the vessel are Norton Lilly International.

 Before docking at the Port of Vancouver, the AAL Hong Kong sailed from Shanghai, China to the Port of Vancouver where she unloaded 26 complete, 3-piece wind towers for Vestas before returning to Chinese ports.

 Photo from left to right: Kandy Davis, Vestas; Darryl Schill, POV; Jim Styres, POV; Jim Horne, Norton Lilly; Oleg Yatsealeo, Chief Engineer AAL Hong Kong; Capt. Zeljko Presecan; Marla Holt, Vestas; Ken Mishler, POV; Mike Titone, CRSOA; Tommy Hayes, HLM Marine; Beth Sanchez, Norton Lilly; Ion Badea, Norton Lilly.

 

– POV –

The Port of Vancouver USA is one of the major ports on the Pacific Coast, and its competitive strengths include available land, versatile cargo handling capabilities, vast transportation networks, a dependable labor force and an exceptional level of service to its customers and community. For more information, please visit us at www.portvanusa.com.