A project shipment is fixed on numbers: the dimensions and weight of the heaviest single unit, its lifting points and centre of gravity, the crane outreach and hook height available at both ends, and the deck strength or tween-deck clearance the unit needs.
We check those figures against the tonnage on offer in the international freight market, then negotiate the freight and the loading and discharging terms for the whole voyage.
We act as independent shipbrokers and do not own vessels.
What Project Cargo Means
Project cargo is a shipment that cannot be handled as standard general cargo: single units are oversized, out-of-gauge or heavy, and the parcel is often connected with an industrial or infrastructure project and has specific handling, lifting or delivery requirements.
Such cargo normally requires geared or heavy-lift tonnage, individual stowage and lashing arrangements, and checks of lifting capacity, hatch and tween deck dimensions at both ends of the voyage.
Cargoes We Work With
- industrial plant and process equipment;
- transformers, generators and turbines;
- cranes, port and terminal equipment;
- tanks, silos, reactors and pressure vessels;
- prefabricated modules and steel structures;
- mining, drilling and construction machinery;
- agricultural and wheeled machinery;
- electric buses and rolling equipment;
- wind energy components;
- other oversized, out-of-gauge and heavy-lift units.
Our Role
Our work may include vessel search, freight indications, fixture negotiations, charter party support, communication with involved parties and voyage follow-up from loading to discharge.
For project and breakbulk fixtures, GENCON may be used as a contractual basis, depending on cargo, vessel, route and agreement between the parties.
Technical Points We Confirm Before Fixing
For every project shipment we go through the same checklist with owners and terminals:
- Lo-Lo or Ro-Ro — whether the units are lifted on board or rolled on, which decides the type of vessel and the port facilities required;
- lifting points and centre of gravity — marked on the units and shown on the drawings, so the lift can be planned safely;
- crane capacity — the safe working load and outreach of the ship's or shore cranes for the heaviest lift;
- under-deck or on-deck stowage — hold and hatch dimensions, tween-deck or tank-top strength, and which units may travel on deck;
- drawings — general arrangement and lifting drawings for every out-of-gauge unit;
- port restrictions — draft, berth length, quay load limits and access for heavy units at both ends of the voyage.
Information Required
For a freight indication, please send:
- cargo name and description;
- number of units and total quantity;
- dimensions and weight of each unit;
- heaviest single lift;
- packing and securing requirements;
- loading port;
- discharging port;
- cargo ready date / laycan;
- loading and discharging terms;
- availability of shore cranes or the need for vessel gear;
- photos, technical drawings or a packing list, if applicable;
- special requirements or restrictions.