Adapting to Change: The Role of Breakbulk in Supply Chain Recovery

Breakbulk shipments are gradually returning to normal after hitting record levels in 2022. The COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted global supply chains, “highlighted the advantages of breakbulk in maintaining the flow of cargo globally,” writes Carla Solano, Head of Logistics for DP World in the Dominican Republic, in a recent article for Breakbulk.

“The adaptability of breakbulk renders it essential,” Solano states in Breakbulk. “Managing RoRo and handling oversized, unwieldy, or weighty items such as bulk lumber and pulp, heavy machinery, iron and steel girders, rubber, project cargo, and turbines in containers is simply unfeasible, cementing breakbulk's indispensable role.”

The article, “The Role of Breakbulk in Supply Chain Recovery” discusses the state of breakbulk shipping in 2022 and its gradual return to normalcy after disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. It highlights the advantages of breakbulk shipping in handling oversized and unwieldy cargo, which is essential as demand for such goods rises. Breakbulk shipping also offers flexibility by reaching smaller, secondary ports that container vessels often bypass.

However, the article acknowledges challenges in breakbulk shipping, including environmental concerns related to fuel consumption and emissions. It also mentions logistical complexities due to handling large cargoes. To address these issues, the industry is exploring sustainable solutions such as alternative fuels (LNG, hydrogen, biofuels), energy-efficient technologies, and renewable energy integration.

The article emphasizes the importance of investing in infrastructure and adopting digital technologies to optimize operations and reduce waste. Economic considerations, the pace of technological advancement, and a lack of standardization are identified as barriers to achieving sustainability in breakbulk shipping.

Read the full article here.