Have you ever wondered how heavy machinery or large equipment gets shipped overseas? When goods are too large or irregularly shaped to fit into standard shipping containers, breakbulk cargo becomes the go-to solution.
This shipping method is essential for industries managing oversized or non-containerized goods. Understanding “what is breakbulk cargo” is critical for businesses engaged in international trade or large-scale projects, as it offers unique advantages and challenges.
Understanding Breakbulk Cargo
What is breakbulk cargo? Simply put, it refers to cargo that is transported individually or in pieces rather than in containers.
Common examples include:
- Heavy machinery
- Ship propellers
- Oil and gas equipment
- Oversized vehicles
- Construction materials
- Windmill
- Turbine blades
- Steel beams
- So on
Unlike container shipping, where goods are standardised into uniform containers, shipping handles items that exceed the size or shape limitations of standard containers.
Key Industries Using Breakbulk Cargo
Several industries rely heavily on breakbulk shipping, such as:
- Oil and Gas: Transporting drilling equipment and pipelines.
- Construction: Shipping large construction machinery and materials.
- Energy: Moving wind turbines, transformers, and other renewable energy components.
Is There Any Difference between Bulk and Breakbulk Cargo in Shipping?
Yes, there is a difference between bulk and break bulk cargo, such as:
- Bulk cargo refers to large, uniform quantities of unpacked goods, such as grain, coal, or cement, typically shipped in bulk carriers. These items can be pumped or conveyed for loading and unloading.
- Break bulk cargo, on the other hand, consists of irregularly shaped, non-uniform items packed individually in a hold. It requires lift-on/lift-off handling, with each piece being handled separately.
Additionally, bulk carriers have open cargo holds for easy loading, while break bulk vessels have closed holds with hatches for cargo access.
When to Use Breakbulk Cargo Shipping
Breakbulk shipping is the preferred choice in several scenarios, including delivering heavy machinery like construction equipment to project sites, shipping irregular goods with unusual dimensions, and transporting cargo to regions with ports that lack container facilities.
How Breakbulk Cargo Is Handled in Shipping
Due to its large size and irregular shape, breakbulk cargo requires specialised handling to ensure safe transportation. This requires specialised infrastructure and equipment.
Unlike containerised goods, break bulk is often loaded onto flat rack containers, designed to carry oversized or uniquely shaped items that do not fit in standard containers. It can also be transported aboard specialised vessels designed for such cargo.
Here is how the process works:
1. Packaging
Custom packaging, such as crates, bags, corrugated boxes, drums, barrels, bagged cargo, and breakbulk, is often necessary to ensure the cargo remains secure and protected during transit.
2. Dedicated Terminals
Specialised terminals equipped with heavy-duty cranes and handling gear are essential for managing break bulk.
3. Loading and Unloading
Each unit of break bulk cargo is handled individually, often using cranes or manual labour to load and unload. Cranes and other specialised equipment will lift oversized items onto vessels. This step demands precision and expertise to prevent damage.
4. Storage and Securing
To maintain stability, dunnage and lashing techniques are employed to secure the cargo within the vessel. Heavy-duty straps, braces, and protective coverings are used to prevent movement and protect the cargo from damage during transit. These methods keep the break bulk securely in place throughout its journey.
5. Transportation
Goods are often transported across multiple modes, such as trucks, ships, and trains, to reach their destination. And oversized loads may require special trailers or barges for land transport, ensuring smooth delivery to their final destination.
6. Port Operations
Last but not very least, port operations. Ports handling breakbulk cargo are equipped with larger storage areas and custom equipment to accommodate irregularly shaped items.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Breakbulk Shipping
Advantages
- Flexibility: Breakbulk allows the shipment of goods that cannot fit in standard containers.
- Time efficiency: Breakbulk ships can offer faster transit times by bypassing the multiple port stops common for container vessels, making them ideal for urgent shipments.
- Accessibility: Smaller ports, which may not handle large container ships, can accommodate breakbulk shipments.
- Versatility: Ideal for transporting a mix of oversized items.
Disadvantages
- Higher Costs: Specialized handling and equipment increase expenses.
- Labour intensity: Break bulk cargo requires a significant workforce for loading and unloading, which can lead to delays and higher costs.
- Handling and storage challenges: Due to its irregular shape and individual handling requirements, managing break bulk is more complex and costly than managing containerised cargo.
- Longer Timelines: Loading and unloading take more time compared to container shipping.
- Increased Risk: Breakbulk cargo is more exposed during transit, raising the chances of damage.
Breakbulk Cargo in the Modern Shipping Industry
Despite the dominance of containerisation, breakbulk cargo remains highly relevant. Innovations such as advanced lifting equipment and tracking technologies have improved the efficiency and safety of breakbulk shipping.
Popular Trade Routes for Breakbulk Cargo
Global trade routes, including the Red Sea shipping route, are critical for breakbulk shipping. For instance, the Middle East’s construction boom frequently relies on breakbulk shipments via this route to deliver essential materials and machinery.
Also Read: Top Benefits of Cargo Insurance for Your Business
Breakbulk cargo plays an indispensable role in global trade, offering a reliable solution for transporting oversized or irregularly shaped goods. While it comes with higher costs and risks, its flexibility and adaptability make it a vital option for industries worldwide.
Protect your breakbulk cargo with the right insurance now! Visit Azure Risk, the Official Asia Pacific Broker for World Insurance, to learn how to minimise risks and secure your shipments.
