Project cargo

News and analysis of project cargo rates, carriers, services, technology, strategy, ports, forwarders

The latest Project cargo News & Analysis

MPV/HL carriers weigh costly, time-consuming alternatives to Panama Canal

Keith Wallis, Special Correspondent |
Low water restrictions and “exorbitant” costs for rare transit slots through the drought-hit waterway mean tramp breakbulk and heavy-lift carriers must use longer ocean routes, thus increasing voyage costs.
Breakbulk NewsMaritimeBreakbulk carriersProject cargo

Swire Projects launches project cargo liner service to avoid Panama Canal delays

Keith Wallis, Special Correspondent |
The service was previously operated on an ad hoc basis but is being upgraded due to growing demand for breakbulk and project cargo into the US West Coast to avoid restrictions and delays through the drought-hit waterway.
Breakbulk NewsBreakbulk carriersProject cargo

Breakbulk sector poised for boost amid rising commodity prices

Susan Oatway, Research Analyst for Breakbulk and Project Cargo |
Commodity prices continue to rise, leading to further investments in mining, agriculture and oil and gas projects, all of which is good news for breakbulk and project shippers and their service providers.
Breakbulk NewsBreakbulk carriersProject cargoRo/ro cargo

Offshore services companies expect boost from increased energy spending

Autumn Cafiero Giusti, Special Correspondent |
Fresh investments among oilfield services giants should bolster the offshore services market, with supply chain spending expected to grow 16% in 2023 and 2024.
Energy projectsProject cargoHeavy-haul transport

Lack of investment constraining US breakbulk port capacity

Keith Wallis, Special Correspondent |
The funding shortage for breakbulk port facilities will create severe constraints on both cargo owners and vessel operators as offshore wind construction accelerates and new types of energy projects are developed.
Breakbulk NewsBreakbulk carriersProject cargoRo/ro cargoEnergy projectsHeavy-haul transportPort News

Aging roads, drivers weigh on US heavy-haul trucking amid booming demand

Autumn Cafiero Giusti, Special Correspondent |
As US project cargo demand — and cargoes themselves — grow, heavy-haul trucking carriers are struggling with permitting delays, infrastructure complications and a rapidly aging workforce.
Project cargoEnergy projectsBreakbulk ports

Global MPV indexes diverge amid strength in European short-sea trade

Janet Nodar, Senior Editor, Breakbulk and Heavy Lift |
Toepfer’s multipurpose index has maintained its downward momentum due partly to a delay in the emergence of wind cargoes, while Drewry’s index showed some signs of life following a summer dip.
Breakbulk NewsBreakbulk carriersProject cargoEnergy projects

Global MPV/HL fleet is “between technologies”: carriers

Janet Nodar, Senior Editor, Breakbulk and Heavy Lift |
MPV newbuildings are being designed for higher cargo intake and improved efficiency, but any consensus on green fuels and propulsion systems remains elusive.
Breakbulk NewsBreakbulk carriersProject cargoEnergy projects

Intermarine, JSA target Chilean metals, energy markets with new subsidiary

Keith Wallis, Special Correspondent |
Affiliated carriers Intermarine and Jumbo-SAL-Alliance are poised to reap new cargo from the expected growth boom in South American mining, green fuels and wind.
Breakbulk NewsBreakbulk carriersProject cargo

Lack of cargoes holding down MPV rates in near-term: analysts

Janet Nodar, Senior Editor, and Susan Oatway, Research Analyst for Breakbulk and Project Cargo |
Despite having fewer cargoes for which to compete, some bulk operators are beefing up their staff of project cargo specialists, implying that those carriers are sensing opportunities ahead.
Breakbulk NewsBreakbulk carriersProject cargo

Turbulence hampers US wind energy even as development picks up speed

Autumn Cafiero Giusti, Special Correspondent |
The wind energy industry must resolve a number of supply chain issues or it has little chance of reaching the US’ 2030 goal for energy generation from onshore and offshore wind.
Breakbulk NewsProject cargoEnergy projects

Chartering slump keeps MPV sector in August ‘doldrums’

Keith Wallis, Special Correspondent |
Although the multipurpose vessel market is expected to further soften on weak charter activity in the third quarter, firmer demand is expected by the end of the year, keeping certain sectors of the market — mainly, project carriers — optimistic, analysts said.
Breakbulk NewsBreakbulk carriersProject cargo

Cosco to control largest semi-submersible fleet after deal with Guangzhou Salvage

Keith Wallis, Special Correspondent |
The joint venture will increase Cosco’s fleet to 18 heavy-lift semi-submersible vessels by the end of 2023.
Project cargoEnergy projects

Summer doldrums pressure MPV sector, but long-term view positive

Keith Wallis, Special Correspondent |
Sentiment is more positive in the longer term, with industry observers predicting a rebound in rates from 2024 onwards due to stronger cargo volumes and tight tonnage supply.
Breakbulk NewsBreakbulk carriersProject cargoRo/ro cargo

Diverse players eyeing project forwarding space

Janet Nodar, Senior Editor, Breakbulk and Heavy Lift |
Changes at Maersk and Combi-Lift reveal interest in capturing a larger share of the project forwarding market.
Breakbulk NewsProject cargoEnergy projects

Norden aims to diversify cargo base with MPV acquisition

Keith Wallis, Special Correspondent |
Norden is looking to capitalize on an expected strong project and breakbulk market with the purchase of Denmark-based multipurpose vessel (MPV) operator Thorco Projects.
Breakbulk NewsBreakbulk carriersProject cargo

Shipping icon Bertram Rickmers, 71, succumbs to injuries from fall

Janet Nodar, Senior Editor |
Visionary shipping legend Bertram Rickmers created the Pearl String, the only round-the-world breakbulk liner service, which operated from 2003 until the fall of Zeamarine in 2020.
Breakbulk NewsBreakbulk carriersProject cargo

Hopeful wind OEMs look for rebound after emerging from pandemic

Autumn Cafiero Giusti, Special Correspondent |
Quarterly earnings reports reveal that wind turbine manufacturers are slowly recovering from a pandemic market battering as orders and revenues ramp up.
Breakbulk NewsProject cargoEnergy projects

Softer rates, long-term confidence provide mixed signals for MPV carriers

Janet Nodar, Senior Editor, and Susan Oatway, Research Analyst for Breakbulk and Project Cargo |
Multipurpose and heavy-lift carriers expect short-term rate pain but a rising market further out, analysts say.
Breakbulk NewsBreakbulk carriersProject cargo

Changing of the guard in the works at BBC Chartering USA

Keith Wallis, Special Correspondent |
Tim Kopfensteiner will become president of MPV carrier BBC Chartering’s US operations following Per Petersen’s retirement later this year.
Breakbulk NewsBreakbulk carriersProject cargo

Breakbulk23: Disruptive ‘trilemma’ shaping global energy investment

Autumn Cafiero Giusti, Special Correspondent |
As funding opportunities expand, energy security concerns force investors to reevaluate their priorities, attendees at the Journal of Commerce’s Breakbulk and Project Cargo Conference were told.
Breakbulk NewsProject cargoEnergy projects

Breakbulk23: Methanol has head start in MPV green fuel race

Eric Johnson, Senior Technology Editor |
Breakbulk and project cargo carriers are likely to take their cue from container carriers before committing to building alternative fuel ships to meet aggressive carbon reduction mandates, experts say.
Breakbulk NewsBreakbulk carriersProject cargo

MPV sentiment improves even as short-term demand softens

Janet Nodar, Senior Editor, and Susan Oatway, Research Analyst for Breakbulk and Project Cargo |
Multipurpose carrier analysts report short-term rate softening and a looser spot market, but there is confidence in longer-term energy and renewables demand.
Breakbulk NewsBreakbulk carriersProject cargo

Breakbulk volumes down sharply at Port Houston after 2022 ‘anomaly’

Autumn Cafiero Giusti, Special Correspondent |
Breakbulk volumes are normalizing at Houston after the market surge of 2022, while “spillover” containers have disappeared.
Breakbulk NewsProject cargoPort News

MPV carrier Swire Projects eyes growth in Australian project market

Keith Wallis, Special Correspondent |
New operator Swire is growing its fleet and gearing up to move cargo for the busy Australian minerals and energy markets.
Breakbulk NewsBreakbulk carriersProject cargo

New IMO rules muddying vessel strategy for MPV, heavy-lift owners

Janet Nodar, Senior Editor, Breakbulk and Heavy Lift |
MPV and heavy-lift vessel owners need clarity on emissions, alternative fuels, and regulations before committing to new vessel schemes.
Breakbulk NewsBreakbulk carriersProject cargo

Heavy-deck demand faltering, but long-term outlook remains strong

Keith Wallis, Special Correspondent |
Despite a temporary lull, heavy-deck carriers and industry analysts see a “mind-boggling” outlook for global offshore wind demand.
Breakbulk NewsBreakbulk carriersProject cargoEnergy projects

EPCs look beyond traditional oil and gas for growth opportunities

Autumn Cafiero Giusti, Special Correspondent  |
EPC projects drive much of the global demand for project and breakbulk logistics services from carriers, forwarders, and other suppliers.
Breakbulk NewsProject cargoEnergy projectsHeavy-haul transport

US flatbed trucking activity sees early regional revival: DAT

William B. Cassidy, Senior Editor |
Demand for flatbed tractor-trailers is rising along the Gulf Coast and Southeast, buoyed by project cargo, shifting freight patterns, and a warmer-than-normal winter, DAT Freight & Analytics says.
SurfaceProject cargoTrucking NewsFlatbed

MPV sector slows as rebalancing under way after ‘rush’ of pandemic market

Janet Nodar, Senior Editor, Breakbulk and Heavy Lift |
Short-term uncertainty and longer-term confidence are the multipurpose sector’s new normal, analysts say, after the extreme volatility of the COVID-driven market.
Breakbulk NewsBreakbulk carriersProject cargo

Project cargo outlook brightening for Port of New Orleans

Autumn Cafiero Giusti, Special Correspondent |
Even as breakbulk volumes ebb from their pandemic highs, several mega-projects planned for South Louisiana are expected to keep project cargo moving at the Port of New Orleans.
North American portsBreakbulk NewsProject cargoEnergy projects

Port of South Louisiana buys Avondale terminal as wind cargo boost looms

Autumn Cafiero Giusti, Special Correspondent |
The acquisition of Avondale by the port comes just as the state of Louisiana readies to auction its first round of offshore wind leases.
Breakbulk NewsProject cargoEnergy projectsNorth American portsBreakbulk ports

Plenty of work in the pipeline for breakbulk carriers, but rates uncertain

Janet Nodar, Senior Editor, Breakbulk and Heavy Lift |
Project and breakbulk carriers and logistics service providers have a healthy to-do list of energy-related cargo projects ahead of them; now the question is whether rates and availability will return to pre-pandemic levels.
Breakbulk NewsBreakbulk carriersProject cargoEnergy projects

Drought-stricken Mississippi disrupts northbound breakbulk cargo

Mark Szakonyi, Executive Editor |
Drought is keeping the Mississippi River at historically low water levels, tying up barge capacity and extending the southbound grain season.
Project cargo

Pent-up demand to fuel project logistics volumes into 2024

Janet Nodar, Senior Editor, Breakbulk and Heavy Lift |
Two years of pandemic-related oil and gas project delays and cutbacks in global supply due to the Russia-Ukraine war are driving demand for project logistics services in the short and long term.
Breakbulk NewsProject cargoEnergy projects

Lack of infrastructure could stymie global, US wind energy targets

Janet Nodar, Senior Editor, Breakbulk and Heavy Lift |
Bottlenecks and a lack of needed infrastructure may put the “aspirational” global offshore wind installation schedule out of reach, an analyst says.
Breakbulk NewsEnergy projectsProject cargo

Policy, pandemic disruption slowing US wind energy development

Chris Barnett |
Developers have installed a total of 139 gigawatts of onshore wind energy production across the US, with another 23 GW under construction or in advanced development as of the second quarter of 2022.
Breakbulk NewsProject cargoEnergy projects

Super-heavy carriers see war-driven energy boom

Keith Wallis, Special Correspondent |
The global super-heavy carrier fleet is at 91 percent utilization as governments accelerate energy investments amid the rush to cut ties with Russia.
Project cargo

Maersk targets project cargo with latest acquisition

Greg Knowler, Senior Europe Editor |
Maersk is expanding its footprint in the heavy-lift sector with the acquisition of specialist logistics provider Martin Bencher that will be central to its new Maersk Project Logistics product.
Project cargo

Breakbulk demand heating up as spillover market plateaus

Janet Nodar, Senior Editor, Breakbulk and Heavy Lift |
Millions of tons of project cargo freight will be moving soon as energy projects, including Qatar’s massive LNG facility, gather steam, logistics executives say.
Project cargoEnergy projects