Maersk targets breakbulk cargo
Maersk Line said it has increased its commitment to the breakbulk and out-of-gauge cargo market by purchasing more than 10,000 new flat-rack and open-top containers, increasing the size of its fleet of such equipment by roughly 150 percent.
“These units, currently being integrated into service with Maersk Line, already represent a sizable improvement in Maersk Line's breakbulk capacity,” Maersk said. Delivery of new equipment will be completed during the fourth quarter of 2009.
'By bringing more focus to the breakbulk market, we are able to offer customers our expertise, experience and resources, developing a true and sustainable transport partnership with breakbulk shippers,' said Ed Long, director of project sales for North America.
The company said its regular liner schedule offered shippers an advantage.
“Through proper handling and planning, breakbulk cargo is easily integrated into the cargo mix on the wide variety of ships deployed on many of Maersk Line's current routes,” the company said. “Many breakbulk carriers offer services intermittently based on specific demands. As a result, breakbulk shippers have often been subject to irregular and inefficient carrier schedules. Utilizing Maersk Line's established and consistent schedule of service to plan their shipments, breakbulk shippers can more readily reap the rewards of an efficient, sustainable supply chain.”
