Kiev Shipping Ltd has provided ship chartering and maritime brokerage services since 2000, working with cargo owners, manufacturers, traders, operators and other participants in the international freight market.
With 25+ years of experience, Kiev Shipping Ltd focuses on project cargo, breakbulk cargo and dry bulk cargo chartering. The company acts as an independent shipbroker and does not own vessels.
Project and Breakbulk Cargo Transportation
Project and breakbulk cargoes often require more detailed planning than standard containerized shipments.
Typical cargoes may include:
- industrial machinery;
- transformers;
- generators;
- turbines;
- construction equipment;
- steel structures;
- oversized units;
- heavy equipment;
- packaged industrial cargoes;
- other non-containerized shipments.
The vessel should be selected according to the actual cargo dimensions, weights, lifting requirements, route and port restrictions.
Cargo Information
Accurate cargo information is essential before approaching the freight market.
A project or breakbulk chartering enquiry should normally include:
- cargo description;
- total quantity;
- packing;
- dimensions of each unit;
- individual weights;
- centre of gravity where relevant;
- lifting points;
- loading port;
- discharging port;
- laycan;
- loading and discharging methods;
- port restrictions;
- special handling requirements.
Incomplete technical information can make it difficult to determine whether a vessel is suitable for the shipment.
Vessel Selection
An available vessel is not automatically a suitable vessel.
For project and breakbulk cargoes, vessel evaluation may include:
- deadweight;
- deck and hold capacity;
- hatch dimensions;
- cargo gear;
- crane capacity;
- crane outreach;
- deck strength;
- tank-top limitations;
- vessel draft;
- cargo access;
- loading and discharging arrangements.
For heavy or oversized units, the relationship between cargo dimensions, individual weights and vessel configuration is particularly important.
Technical suitability should be checked before commercial terms are finalized.
Loading and Discharging Operations
Project cargo operations may involve:
- ship’s cranes;
- shore cranes;
- Ro-Ro arrangements;
- Lo-Lo operations;
- direct loading from truck or barge;
- specialized lifting equipment.
The actual method depends on the cargo, vessel and facilities available at the nominated ports.
For this reason, loading and discharging conditions should be discussed before the vessel is fixed.
Port Restrictions
Port conditions may directly influence vessel selection.
Relevant factors can include:
- maximum draft;
- berth dimensions;
- vessel length and beam limitations;
- crane availability;
- quay strength;
- tidal restrictions;
- terminal access;
- local navigation requirements.
A vessel that is suitable for the cargo may still be unsuitable for the loading or discharging port.
Freight and Commercial Factors
Freight rate should not be evaluated separately from the operational requirements of the shipment.
The final commercial result may also depend on:
- vessel position;
- route;
- laycan;
- loading and discharging terms;
- port costs;
- bunker prices;
- waiting time;
- congestion;
- availability of suitable tonnage;
- seasonal market conditions.
A lower freight indication may not represent the best overall transportation option if the vessel creates operational limitations or additional handling costs.
Charter Party Terms
Before fixing a vessel, the main commercial terms should be clearly agreed.
These may include:
- freight payment;
- laytime;
- demurrage;
- despatch;
- loading responsibilities;
- discharging responsibilities;
- cargo securing responsibilities;
- documentation;
- notices;
- commissions;
- charter-party form;
- special operational conditions.
Clear fixture terms help reduce the risk of disagreements during execution of the voyage.
The Role of the Shipbroker
Kiev Shipping Ltd acts as an independent shipbroker between cargo interests and the international freight market.
The company assists with:
- searching for suitable tonnage;
- obtaining freight indications;
- evaluating vessel alternatives;
- negotiating freight and commercial terms;
- coordinating fixture negotiations;
- charter-party coordination;
- commercial voyage follow-up.
For complex cargoes, the broker’s role includes helping cargo interests identify commercially and technically suitable vessel options before the fixture is concluded.
More information about project cargo chartering is available on the dedicated Kiev Shipping service page.