Industrial equipment can be shipped in several different ways. The correct method depends on the cargo itself, the vessel and the facilities available at both ports.
A piece of machinery may be suitable for Ro-Ro if it can move on its own wheels or on a suitable trailer.
Another unit may require Lo-Lo handling with vessel cranes or shore cranes.
Heavy or oversized equipment may need dedicated heavy-lift capacity.
Before selecting the vessel, the main information normally includes:
- dimensions of each unit;
- individual weights;
- heaviest single lift;
- lifting points;
- centre of gravity;
- whether the cargo is self-propelled;
- whether it can be rolled or must be lifted;
- loading and discharging facilities;
- port restrictions;
- laycan.
The cheapest-looking vessel is not always the most efficient option.
A ship may have enough deadweight but insufficient crane capacity. Another may have suitable cranes but inadequate hold dimensions or deck strength.
For cargo owners, the correct loading method should therefore be considered before the freight is fixed.
At Best Break Bulk, we compare cargo requirements with available multipurpose, general cargo, Ro-Ro and heavy-lift tonnage and negotiate the voyage terms accordingly.
The right shipping method starts with the technical details of the cargo.
See also: Industrial equipment and machinery.