PRODUCT FOCUS
emphasise the need for specialised equipment with forks and other lifting attachments.” He believes that configuration through specialist attachments, compact designs, electrification strategies and fleet mix adjustments can unlock productivity, safety and sustainability gains that ripple across terminal performance. This is vital when work in intense industries like breakbulk often requires special consideration to reach productivity targets. “Variability of load types, regulatory compliance, product and vessel damage, increased costs and longer shipping times are all daily issues for breakbulk applications,” he adds. Hyster produces forklifts, with capacities
up to 48t, that can leverage specialised, flexible attachments to handle non-standard loads, or can be customised to unique challenges where needed.
In addition, handling breakbulk cargo amplifies the risk of damage to both the loads and the truck. If a load isn’t properly secured or if a clamp applies too much pressure, goods can be crushed or scraped. When irregularly shaped materials, such as long steel pipes, are moved without reinforced masts, intense torque can cause severe wear or structural damage to the truck. “Real-world examples show how easily this can happen,” says Hirani. “In one case, a coil ram with a slightly protruding washer on its head caused thousands of dollars in damage to steel coils simply because the attachment wasn’t configured correctly.” These issues highlight the importance of configuring equipment with specialised attachments such as clamps, reinforced masts or coil rams. It is very much about the right tool for the right job. “At the same time, terminals need flexibility, emphasising the ability to quickly switch attachments so a single truck can handle the diverse range of cargo typical of breakbulk operations,” he adds. Versatility is intrinsic to the business model
of Greenfield Products, which prides itself on providing tailor-made solutions. “At Greenfield Products, our latest advancements aren’t about launching a single, fixed product,” says Calomino. “They’re about expanding our ability to deliver custom engineered breakbulk handling solutions.” The company continues to develop
modular spreader bars, strongbacks and forklift mounted systems that can be configured to handle a wide variety of breakbulk materials, from steel and project cargo to containers and oversized freights.
“What sets us apart is our design engineer build approach,” he adds. “Instead of asking
x | May/June 2026 |
www.hoistmagazine.com Hyster produces forklifts with capacities of up to 48t.
Patrik Lundbäck, VP of sales and distribution, Konecranes.
customers to adapt their operations to standard equipment, we engineer solutions around their cargo, lift requirements and site conditions. That flexibility allows our customers to safely handle diverse materials using a single engineered platform, which improves efficiency and utilisation.” It is not surprising that ports, terminal
operators, stevedores and heavy lift logistics providers that routinely handle non-standard cargo are its core clients. “These customers face constant variation in load types, weights and handling requirements, which makes customisation essential,” he says. Clients work with Greenfield because
they need equipment that can adapt as their cargo mix changes. “Whether they’re handling steel products one week and project cargo the next, our customers value solutions that integrate seamlessly with their existing cranes and forklifts while giving them the flexibility to handle multiple commodities safely and efficiently.”
Outlook Breakbulk remains a vital segment for Kalmar.
“We are committed to collaborating closely with our customers to provide tailored solutions for specialised cargo handling that evolves alongside their specific requirements,” says Larrson. He also notes that customers are increasingly prioritising electric solutions. “Kalmar has a long experience in developing electric equipment and we continue to develop our offering,” he adds. Greenfield Products is feeling good about the future too. “We’re optimistic about continued demand for breakbulk handling equipment, particularly custom and application specific solutions,” says Calomino. In his eyes, terminal operators are looking to increase throughput and flexibility without making major infrastructure investments. “That puts a premium on equipment that allows them to handle a wider range of cargo using existing assets,” he adds. “Greenfield is well positioned because we don’t just sell products – we work as an engineering partner. As cargo profiles continue to evolve, the need for adaptable, safe and efficient handling solutions across multiple commodities will remain a strong driver for the breakbulk market.” For Modulift, further growth in the breakbulk
sector is closely tied to global investment in infrastructure, renewables and large-scale industrial projects. “As cargoes continue to increase in size and value, the emphasis on engineered lifting, regulatory compliance and risk reduction is only likely to grow,” it says. It feels that, for lifting equipment manufacturers, this points towards continued demand for modular systems that offer flexibility without sacrificing engineering integrity, alongside specialist solutions for abnormal or one off lifts. “From a wider industry standpoint, ports and terminals that prioritise safe, efficient breakbulk handling through the correct use of lifting beams and frames will be best positioned to attract high value project cargoes in the years ahead.”
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