Breakbulk carriers

News and analysis of carriers serving the breakbulk, heavy-lift, and project cargo markets

The latest Breakbulk carriers News & Analysis

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

Keith Wallis, Special Correspondent | Sep 20, 2023, 11:45 AM EDT

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 shippingBreakbulk 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 | Sep 18, 2023, 9:00 AM EDT

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 shippingBreakbulk carriersProject cargo

MPV/HL orders scarce despite need for sustainable fleet

Susan Oatway, Research Analyst, Breakbulk and Project Cargo, Journal of Commerce | Sep 4, 2023, 5:00 AM EDT

Newbuilding investments in the multipurpose and heavy-lift fleet will be crucial to the global push to decarbonize energy.
Breakbulk shippingBreakbulk carriers

Breakbulk sector preps for EU emissions trading system

Janet Nodar, Senior Editor, Breakbulk and Heavy Lift | Sep 2, 2023, 5:00 AM EDT

Breakbulk carriers and their clients must prepare for the EUs new emissions trading system before the Jan. 1 start
Breakbulk shippingBreakbulk carriers

Sliding steel demand weighs on MPV sector

Keith Wallis, Special Correspondent | Aug 28, 2023, 3:35 PM EDT

Weak construction and manufacturing demand, inflation fears and continued economic uncertainty are weighing on global steel volumes, a key commodity for multipurpose vessels.
Breakbulk carriers

Chartering slump keeps MPV sector in August ‘doldrums’

Keith Wallis, Special Correspondent | Aug 7, 2023, 3:00 PM EDT

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 shippingBreakbulk carriersProject cargo

Softening summer market weighs on Toepfer multipurpose vessel index

Janet Nodar, Senior Editor, Breakbulk and Heavy Lift | Jul 10, 2023, 11:27 AM EDT

Expected demand for wind cargo, among other factors, is still driving underlying optimism in the MPV sector, but a wind turbine tech “arms race” could cast a long shadow.
Breakbulk shippingBreakbulk carriersEnergy projects

Emerging from pandemic fog, global reefer market reverts to type

Richard Bright, Journal of Commerce analyst | Jun 23, 2023, 9:00 AM EDT

If the reefer mode can tough out the rest of 2023, next year should be better for operators largely because there will be more cargo, and therefore demand will be stronger, writes analyst Richard Bright.
Cool CargoesBreakbulk shippingBreakbulk carriersSupply Chain

Cadeler, Eneti combine to create $1.3 billion wind installation vessel operator

Keith Wallis, Special Correspondent | Jun 16, 2023, 3:53 PM EDT

The merger of wind installation vessel operators Cadeler and Eneti, which already have a combined project backlog worth $1.75 billion, was driven by an expected surge in offshore wind farm projects through 2030, Cadeler CEO Mikkel Gleerup told a webinar Friday.
Breakbulk carriersEnergy projects

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

Keith Wallis, Special Correspondent | Jun 12, 2023, 9:49 AM EDT

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 shippingBreakbulk carriersProject cargoRo/ro cargo

Norden aims to diversify cargo base with MPV acquisition

Keith Wallis, Special Correspondent | Jun 1, 2023, 4:03 PM EDT

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 shippingBreakbulk carriersProject cargo

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

Janet Nodar, Senior Editor | May 25, 2023, 4:13 PM EDT

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 shippingBreakbulk carriersProject cargo

CEVA Logistics shifts into vessel operations with ro-ro newbuildings

Keith Wallis, Special Correspondent | May 12, 2023, 3:33 PM EDT

Traditional 3PL provider CEVA plans to lease four new hybrid ro-ro vessels chartered by parent company CMA CGM.
MaritimeBreakbulk shippingBreakbulk carriersRo/ro cargo

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 | May 10, 2023, 3:54 PM EDT

Multipurpose and heavy-lift carriers expect short-term rate pain but a rising market further out, analysts say.
Breakbulk shippingBreakbulk carriersProject cargo

Boost in container ship capacity puts end to MPV spillover market

Susan Oatway, Research Analyst for Breakbulk and Project Cargo, and Eric Johnson, Senior Editor | Apr 28, 2023, 9:00 AM EDT

Cargoes “unboxed” during the pandemic market are sliding back to container carriers on the hunt for volumes to fill their ships, while excess containers on MPV ships have disappeared.
Breakbulk shippingContainer shippingTrans-PacificBreakbulk carriers

Changing of the guard in the works at BBC Chartering USA

Keith Wallis, Special Correspondent | Apr 27, 2023, 3:36 PM EDT

Tim Kopfensteiner will become president of MPV carrier BBC Chartering’s US operations following Per Petersen’s retirement later this year.
Breakbulk shippingBreakbulk carriersProject cargo

Breakbulk23: Methanol has head start in MPV green fuel race

Eric Johnson, Senior Technology Editor | Apr 24, 2023, 4:04 PM EDT

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 shippingBreakbulk 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 | Apr 17, 2023, 1:05 PM EDT

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 shippingBreakbulk carriersProject cargo

Global car carriers see mixed outlook after stellar 2022

Keith Wallis, Special Correspondent | Apr 4, 2023, 1:56 PM EDT

Vehicle demand is expected to offset declining high-and-heavy volumes in 2023, according to car carriers.
Breakbulk shippingBreakbulk carriersRo/ro cargo

MPV carrier Swire Projects eyes growth in Australian project market

Keith Wallis, Special Correspondent | Mar 22, 2023, 10:46 AM EDT

New operator Swire is growing its fleet and gearing up to move cargo for the busy Australian minerals and energy markets.
Breakbulk shippingBreakbulk carriersProject cargo

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

Janet Nodar, Senior Editor, Breakbulk and Heavy Lift | Mar 21, 2023, 11:20 AM EDT

MPV and heavy-lift vessel owners need clarity on emissions, alternative fuels, and regulations before committing to new vessel schemes.
Breakbulk shippingBreakbulk carriersProject cargo

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

Keith Wallis, Special Correspondent | Mar 20, 2023, 10:40 AM EDT

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

New IMO rule at odds with practical realities: breakbulk executives

Janet Nodar, Senior Editor, Breakbulk and Heavy Lift, and Keith Wallis, Special Correspondent | Mar 17, 2023, 3:50 PM EDT

Breakbulk industry executives warn new rules aimed at reducing vessel emissions could incentivize vessel operators to implement measures that increase emissions in other areas of the supply chain.
Breakbulk shippingBreakbulk carriersTransport, trade and regulation

Multipurpose vessel rates may be at post-COVID bottom: Toepfer

Janet Nodar, Senior Editor, Breakbulk and Heavy Lift | Mar 10, 2023, 12:35 PM EST

The MPV sector’s market correction appears to have bottomed at rates still healthy for owners and carriers, even as the sector feels pressure from minor bulk carriers hunting for cargo.
Breakbulk shippingBreakbulk carriers

Breakbulk sector ‘sitting on structural overcapacity’: Dynamar

Janet Nodar, Senior Editor, Breakbulk and Heavy Lift | Mar 2, 2023, 12:02 PM EST

While market indicators such as relatively high charter rates and a strong demand outlook are promising, the Netherlands-based maritime consultancy says the stability of the breakbulk market is by no means guaranteed.
Breakbulk shippingBreakbulk carriers

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

Janet Nodar, Senior Editor, Breakbulk and Heavy Lift | Feb 13, 2023, 4:37 PM EST

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 shippingBreakbulk carriersProject cargo

MPV rates slump as breakbulk moves back to container sector

Janet Nodar, Senior Editor | Jan 13, 2023, 3:22 PM EST

Despite a decline in daily charter rates, the longer-term MPV outlook remains strong due to increased investments in oil and gas and renewables projects.
Breakbulk shippingBreakbulk carriers

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

Janet Nodar, Senior Editor, Breakbulk and Heavy Lift | Jan 3, 2023, 3:38 PM EST

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 shippingBreakbulk carriersProject cargoEnergy projects

Long-term demand to steady MPV/HL fleet: analysts

Janet Nodar, Senior Editor, Breakbulk and Heavy Lift | Dec 8, 2022, 11:08 AM EST

The multipurpose/heavy-lift vessel sector is proving to be less volatile than the container and bulk sectors as the pandemic market normalizes, analysts say.
Breakbulk carriers

Meeting Europe’s modal shift to rail will top $500 billion: study

Greg Knowler, Senior Europe Editor | Dec 5, 2022, 12:40 PM EST

Moving a significant share of Europe’s inland cargo from road to rail will be costly and challenging, but it is achievable through better utilization of door-to-door combined transport, a new report has found.
International railBreakbulk carriers

Intermarine partners with Thailand-based project specialist on new Asia JV

Keith Wallis, Special Correspondent | Nov 28, 2022, 3:23 PM EST

US-based MPV operator Intermarine is expanding into Asia and Europe via a partnership with Thailand’s WeShip.
Breakbulk carriers

Mobile breakbulk dockworkers avoid strike, head to mediation with employer

Michael Angell, Associate Editor | Oct 20, 2022, 1:55 PM EDT

Union workers at Mobile’s breakbulk and general cargo docks are the only ones working for a maritime employer without a ratified contract during the ILA’s current 2018-2024 master contract term.
Breakbulk carriers

Mobile’s breakbulk docks face strike threat after talks with ILA local fail

Michael Angell, Associate Editor | Oct 18, 2022, 1:36 PM EDT

The ILA’s local union at Mobile’s general cargo and breakbulk docks may walk off the job this week if a deal can’t be reached with breakbulk stevedore CSA Equipment.
Breakbulk carriers

In tight tonnage market, AAL adds three secondhand ships

Janet Nodar, Senior Editor, Breakbulk and Heavy Lift | Oct 14, 2022, 10:22 AM EDT

Multipurpose and heavy-lift carrier AAL is aiming to increase tonnage despite market volatility as it pursues “long-term sustainable expansion.”
Breakbulk carriers

Ship orders defy declining reefer fleet trend

Janet Nodar, Senior Editor, Breakbulk and Heavy Lift | Sep 9, 2022, 1:24 PM EDT

A handful of reefer carriers, having received an unexpected shot in the arm during the pandemic, are adding vessel capacity despite the long-term decline of this niche fleet.
Breakbulk carriers

Summer slump, market uncertainty pressuring MPV rates

Janet Nodar, Senior Editor, Breakbulk and Heavy Lift | Sep 7, 2022, 3:11 PM EDT

The MPV sector’s long-term outlook remains strong, but shippers are holding off booking in the hope that rates will continue to slide, analysts say.
Breakbulk carriers

Demand spike breathes new life into specialized reefer fleet

Janet Nodar, Senior Editor, Breakbulk and Heavy Lift | Sep 2, 2022, 8:00 AM EDT

The specialized reefer fleet has been shrinking for years as perishables shippers have migrated away from breakbulk shipping to refrigerated containers carried on global liner services, but “the mode keeps rescuing itself,” says one observer.
Breakbulk carriers

Multipurpose ships boosting container line capacity: Alphaliner

Janet Nodar, Senior Editor, Breakbulk and Heavy Lift | Sep 1, 2022, 2:55 PM EDT

Container carriers are adding incremental capacity to their regional and feeder liner services with MPV and other non-container ships, maritime analyst Alphaliner says.
Breakbulk carriers

dship Carriers acquires secondhand ship for MPV fleet

Janet Nodar, Senior Editor, Breakbulk and Heavy Lift | Aug 29, 2022, 3:40 PM EDT

While spillover cargo flows back to the container market, a strong breakbulk market is keeping the MPV sector afloat.
Breakbulk carriers

New Orleans H1 breakbulk tonnage doubles amid ‘spillover’ surge

Janet Nodar, Senior Editor, Breakbulk and Heavy Lift | Aug 19, 2022, 12:31 PM EDT

Pandemic congestion may be easing as container rates fall, but breakbulk spillover cargo shows no sign of slowing at the Port of New Orleans.
Breakbulk carriersBreakbulk ports