.svg)
Break Bulk - Shipping of Heavy and Project Cargo
Break bulk refers to the shipment of cargo by ship that is too large, too heavy, or shaped in a way that does not fit into a standard container.
-p-1080.webp)
How does break-bulk shipping work?
In break bulk shipping, each piece of cargo is handled according to its specific type before being loaded and secured on board.
- Packaging: Some cargo, such as steel coils or paper rolls, is packed in boxes, drums, or on pallets before being loaded. Other cargo, such as heavy machine parts, requires no packaging and is loaded directly onto the ship.
- Loading: The cargo is secured with ropes, chains, and specialized equipment to ensure it remains securely fastened throughout the voyage.
What types of cargo are transported as break bulk?
Break bulk is used for cargo that cannot be stacked in a container but must be handled as individual units. This includes, among other things:
- Project Cargo: Wind turbine components, gas turbines, and industrial equipment
- Steel and Metal: Coils, Sheets, and Tubes
- Paper Products: Paper rolls for printing companies, among others
- Vehicles and Machinery: Heavy Vehicles and Construction Equipment
Break bulk vs. dry bulk—what's the difference?
Break bulk and dry bulk are both forms of shipping that do not use containers, but they differ in how the cargo is handled. Break bulk cargo, such as coils or rolls of paper, is counted and handled individually. Dry bulk cargo, such as grain or minerals, is poured directly into the cargo hold and measured by weight or volume.
Together, these two modes of transport constitute our primary forms of bulk shipping, and the type of cargo determines which solution makes the most sense.
Why is stevedoring important for break bulk?
Stevedoring is crucial for break bulk because it is the very link between ship and shore, where cargo is loaded onto the ship and unloaded onto land. Because each piece of cargo is handled individually, a single misplacement can result in delays or damage to cargo weighing several metric tons, which places high demands on both equipment and experience.
This requires the right cranes, trained personnel, and a terminal equipped for the task. Efficient stevedoring ensures that the ship does not remain in port unnecessarily long and that the cargo arrives at its destination in the same condition as when it was loaded.
H. Daugaard Your Breakbulk Partner
As a shipping company, we handle break bulk cargo from terminals located close to the docks in Kolding and Vejle, with direct access to the rail and highway networks. With more than 100 years of experience in transporting heavy and complex cargo, we handle over 300 ship calls annually, with cargoes ranging from 1,500 to 8,000 metric tons.
Our terminals are equipped with indoor cranes specially designed for steel products, and we are certified to ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and SQAS. We handle the entire process—from chartering and customs clearance to unloading, storage, and further distribution.
