Breakbulk is a broad term used to describe any cargo that does not fit into the standardized form of the rectangular box. Whilst there are striking examples of remarkable heavy load and semi-submersible vessels that carry incredibly vast and heavy cargoes, this segment actually represents a smaller portion of breakbulk cargo operations. Think of industrial components, plant, machinery, cranes, as well as wood, aluminium rolls, timber products, iron and steel, to name but a few. The publication details and discusses eleven breakbulk cargo categories, comprising over 200 types of commodity.

Breakbulk Perception

The operating model of many breakbulk shipping companies remains that of traditional tramping, carried out on a global scale. Whilst this may conjure images in ones mind of decrepit, rusty, sea-beaten vessels operating in regions forgotten by the rest of the world, this is far from the case! The current fleet is expanding through the introduction of modern, sophisticated and highly versatile vessels which can perform a variety of functions all the while being operated by highly professional and well organised, well equipped carriers.

Dynamar’s new and fully updated 3rd Breakbulk study builds on the structure laid out in its previous editions, with an emphasis on the current market situation and the industry’s prospects. Analysis of the main breakbulk (including Ro/Ro, project and heavy-lift/load) operators, the capabilities of the current world fleet and orderbook, descriptions of trades and shifting market trends form the backbone of the study.

It once again provides the popular rankings of the top Breakbulk, Ro/Ro and Heavy Load operators by deadweight capacity, followed by similar rankings of the largest Container, Reefer and Vehicle carriers – their principle competitors. Furthermore, there are profiles on 40 of the most important players in the industry. For each company, its existing fleet and orderbook by vessel-type is extensively detailed in terms of number of ships, average age, deadweight, heavy-lift capacity, container space, ramp and semi-submersible capabilities.

As perhaps would be expected, there have been notable changes in our ranking of the Top 25 operators in comparison to our 2010 study. Some operators have seen their fleet capacity increase, some decrease, some have appeared and eight have even disappeared altogether. Three years may not be long, it appears to be time enough for the previous ranking to seem almost unrecognisable with, amongst others, eight “new” entries. In all, only Gearbulk and Coscol have retained their positions at the top of the pile, occupying 1st and 2nd place respectively.

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