BREAKBULK\\\ >> 10


crisis, he notes, the


shipping


line anticipated a major drop in volumes. “But it never materialized,” says.


he “We have been


extremely surprised by the way volumes have remained strong throughout the entire pandemic period.” At the same time, production


and plant shutdowns domestically and overseas created gaps in overall shipments, says Joe Harris, spokesman at the Virginia Port Authority. And, he continues, “That was followed by pent-up demand surges.” Harris, Willman, and


Batista join a chorus of supply chain executives who gave mostly upbeat reports about breakbulk activity through the last several months while preparing for smoother sailing ahead.


Clear Recovery


The nine C-suiters interviewed here underscore a Journal of Commerce report indicating a “clear sign of market recovery from a COVID-induced slump” in breakbulk cargoes. The story specifically mentions “tight container capacity and increasing demand on the cargo side, particularly for wind cargo.” Wind blades, such as is the


case with GE’s Haliade-X 12MW turbine introduced in 2018, are helping power the breakbulk sector, execs say. These are considerably lighter than older models and are now longer than a football field and taller than the Statue of Liberty. “The renewable energy


space is beginning to take shape in the US,” Harris


Issue 2 2021 - FBJNA


Sun glints off the water at Port of New Orleans. (Port NOLA photo.)


says. “Virginia is striving to be a leader in the uses of renewable energy, and both sectors — wind and solar — are creating opportunities in cargo handling to get the infrastructure in place.” Stian Omli, in charge of


Sales Americas & Global Business Development Breakbulk at Höegh likewise sees renewable energy’s rising popularity. “We expect this to continue with emphasis on windmill components and power generators such as transformers,” he says. Overall, he says, “The


breakbulk segment has fared well through the pandemic.” He notes that traditional ro-ro commodities, such as finished new light vehicles, experienced a steep decline in 2020’s second quarter. “Even those are making a comeback,” he says.


Seaport Activity


The Port of Baltimore saw its breakbulk business boom 23% last year from 2019, according to William P. Doyle, Executive Director of the Maryland Port Administration. The port’s Dundalk Marine Terminal sports three heavy-lift pads with a capacity of 32.5 tons per axle per pad. Breakbulk commodities


C M Y CM


there include auto press machinery, heat recovery steam generators, transformers and power- generation equipment. Doyle reports that the port’s


MY CY CMY K


A bird’s eye view of NOLA dockworkers. (Port NOLA photo.)


New direct rail discharge and load capabilities On-dock heavy lift cranes


Numerous choices of service providers and carriers Experienced labor force


ai161401506221_FBJNA heavy lift.pdf 1 2/22/2021 12:31:03 PM


11


breakbulk performance was “very good” through 2020. “We are well-equipped for any type of breakbulk cargo and look forward to a great 2021,” he says. Port of New Orleans’


spokesperson Jessica Ragusa says its breakbulk terminals are poised to handle an expected increase as soon as markets stabilize. Even still, she says, “The increase in


12 >>


Heavy Load? We Can Help.


Simplified truck permitting process 2 Class 1 on-dock railroads


Governor Larry Hogan MDOT Secretary Gregory Slater MDOT MPA Executive Director William P. Doyle marylandports.com | 1.800.638.7519 |


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