Undoubtedly, shipping projects and breakbulk service in WA come with a unique set of challenges that may hamper productivity and speedy delivery. Project Cargo is often associated with construction, mining, and oil and gas projects. Breakbulk can contain items such as steel coils, bags of grain, heavy machinery etc. Both of these demand technical equipment to load and unload, and the process is typically done piece by piece.

Handling and hauling bulk cargo comes up with a distinctive set of predicaments that give a difficult time to shippers. Therefore, shippers must consider cargo measurements, stowage requirements, and vital delivery times. Moreover, these major intricacies require close collaboration between all involved parties to ensure that the cargo reaches on time, free of wear, and within the assigned logistics budget.

This blog will delve into the prominent challenges interlinked with shipping projects and breakbulk cargo. It will also provide operational teams with viable strategies to overcome them. Read ahead to know more. 

Size and Weight Constraints

The ocean shipping of project and breakbulk cargo poses a substantial challenge due to the impediments in vessel size and weight. This often confines the transport of enormous, heavy equipment and machinery that are necessary for different types of construction, energy, and infrastructure projects.

To deal with this challenge, shippers should come together to work with various carrier companies to determine the best vessel capacity, availability, and cost combination. However, in the absence of a collaborative platform, this process can be time-consuming and prone to errors. For example, carriers may respond to requests inconsistently, leading to improved efforts to abide by specifications and compare responses.

Documentation and Compliance

Shipping projects and breakbulk cargo via ocean requires compliance with various regulations and extensive documentation. The documentation includes customs paperwork, safety certificates, and environmental permits. 

To stick to proper compliance, it is imperative to organise all the documentation and process logs in a single location that all stakeholders can access. Not only this, you should work with shipowners who have a comprehensive understanding of regulatory requirements and can provide expert guidance to evade expensive delays.

Logistics and Planning

Nothing can compete with efficient logistics and careful planning for the success of shipping project components. Coordinating multiple parties, such as suppliers, shipping firms, stevedores and cargo surveyors, is essential in ocean shipping.  

If you want to ensure that everyone is on the same page, there should be a clear, well-communicated plan that recapitulates all the steps of the process and drives stakeholders when action is required. A platform that provides a single source of truth and provides coordination across all stakeholders is an immaculate way to leverage this plan.

Transporting and Loading

No doubt, transporting and loading large and weighty equipment and machinery can be an arduous task. It is important to install the lashing points and opt for specialized equipment and techniques to load the cargo onto the vessel. To execute these operations effectively and timely, charterers and carriers need to coordinate with port agents, stevedores, and terminals carefully.

Mistakes during the loading process can be costly as it requires special equipment to be booked and operated by the right people. Therefore, having a clear and well-communicated plan is vital to avoid any potential risks or damages.

Timing and Schedule

Timing and scheduling are crucial factors in shipping projects and breakbulk cargo. It is important to have a comprehensive understanding of the carrier’s performance to avoid any unexpected delays. You can use this information to select a shipping company with a proven track record of meeting tight deadlines and delivering cargo on time.

Automated workflows are an excellent way to stay on top of maritime operations with tight schedules and multiple voyages. This helps ensure that teams catch all critical deadlines and centralize information for a quick audit trail.

The Final Words

Shippers of projects and breakbulk cargo should look for proactive solutions to ensure speedy and successful delivery. By dealing with these challenges head-on and working in a collaborative platform, shippers are in the best position to overcome them and provide timely and budget delivery of their projects.

If you are searching for a reliable breakbulk service in WA, Desired Transport is your best bet. Our team of freight-forwarding experts work closely with you to offer customized solutions by consulting with your teams and suppliers. Our services include a range of activities such as planning, coordinating, implementing, and managing the logistical requirements of breakbulk and cargo.