September 21 - AAL has continued its global expansion strategy by opening a new office in Canada, at the recently launched Vancouver International Maritime Centre (VIMC).

"Within a just a few months, the VIMC has already begun to attract international shipping companies to Vancouver," said Michael de Jong, minister of finance for the Province of British Columbia.

The Province of British Columbia has partnered with the International Ship-Owners Alliance of Canada in a bid to revitalise the region's shipping industry. De Jong said a further CAD3 million (USD2.27 million) would be invested over the course of the next three years to help re-establish the VIMC as key trade hub on the North American West Coast.

AAL operates its monthly, liner Pacific Service connecting the markets of North Asia with the North American West Coast; the carrier said the establishment of AAL Canada enables it to better serve the region's key industry sectors, including LNG, oil, mining and forest products.

"Vancouver is a major shipping hub and gateway into Canada, and it makes strategic and commercial sense to have a physical presence here as we strengthen our commitment to the North American market. We have the team and infrastructure in place to add real value for our customers - whatever their industry sector, or cargo booking requirement," said Felix Schoeller, general manager of AAL's Pacific Service.

Bernard Huizenga, business manager for AAL Canada, added: "We are really excited to be in Vancouver. It is an extremely welcoming jurisdiction and offers international shipping companies like AAL great opportunity for growth and development."

VIMC ceo and chairman Graham Clarke stated: "We are thrilled to be welcoming AAL to Vancouver and we are committed to continuing to assist them as they grow their operations in Vancouver."

HLPFI reported on September 9 that AAL also opened a new office in Seoul, South Korea.

 

 

www.vancouverimc.org

www.aalshipping.com

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