Break bulk

What is break bulk?

Most people are familiar with the more common methods of moving cargo by sea, such as container shipping or bulk cargo. But what if the cargo is too big to fit in a container or isn’t suitable for a bulk carrier? The answer is: use a break bulk cargo terminal.

Break bulk transportation has a major role to play in the international trade industry. Break bulk is cargo that does not fit in or utilise standard shipping containers or cargo bins. Also referred to as Non-Containerised Cargo (NCC), Out of Gauge (OOG) and static cargo, break bulk cargo is transported as individual pieces.

Examples of breakbulk cargo include paper, wood, bags of cocoa, rolls of steel, or cable rolls. To be able to lift break bulk, it is often packaged on pallets, in crates or racks.

How can Portico help with your break bulk cargo?

Portico is a break bulk cargo terminal with a wide range of experience. Our two commercial quays can handle ships up to 230m in length.

Portico’s cranes are capable of 125 tonne lifts, and working in tandem this rises to 250 tonnes.

SMS Towage, our towage partners, are available to attend ships with as little as two hours notice. This offers an unrivalled level of flexibility for customers who need a quick turnaround.

If you like to talk to us about bringing your break bulk cargo to Portsmouth, contact us today.

Contact us to find out more

+44 (0)23 9289 0600