Kiev Shipping Ltd has provided ship chartering and maritime brokerage services since 2000, working with cargo owners, traders, manufacturers, operators and other participants in the international freight market.
With 25+ years of experience, Kiev Shipping Ltd focuses on breakbulk cargo, project cargo and dry bulk cargo chartering. The company works as an independent shipbroker and does not own vessels.
Breakbulk Cargo for Manufacturers and Traders
Breakbulk shipping is used for cargoes that cannot always be transported efficiently in standard containers.
Typical breakbulk cargoes may include:
- machinery;
- industrial equipment;
- steel products;
- bagged fertilizers;
- construction materials;
- packaged cargoes;
- heavy units;
- oversized cargoes.
For manufacturers and traders, the transportation process begins with accurate cargo information and realistic port requirements.
Information Required Before Vessel Search
A complete chartering enquiry should normally include:
- exact cargo description;
- total quantity;
- packing;
- dimensions;
- individual unit weights where applicable;
- loading port;
- discharging port;
- laycan;
- loading rate;
- discharging rate;
- draft restrictions;
- terminal restrictions;
- lifting requirements;
- special cargo handling conditions.
For machinery and oversized cargo, drawings, dimensions, weights and lifting points may be particularly important.
Incomplete information can result in unsuitable vessel proposals or freight indications that cannot later be maintained.
Vessel Selection
The vessel should be selected according to the actual cargo and route.
Important factors may include:
- vessel deadweight;
- cubic capacity;
- hold dimensions;
- hatch dimensions;
- crane capacity;
- crane outreach;
- deck or tank-top limitations;
- vessel draft;
- cargo access;
- loading and discharging arrangements.
An available vessel may still be unsuitable if its configuration does not match the dimensions, weights or handling requirements of the cargo.
For this reason, technical suitability should be checked before commercial terms are finalized.
Port and Terminal Restrictions
Port conditions may directly affect vessel selection.
Relevant factors can include:
- maximum permissible draft;
- berth dimensions;
- vessel length and beam restrictions;
- shore crane availability;
- tidal limitations;
- terminal working hours;
- cargo handling equipment;
- local navigation restrictions.
For breakbulk and project cargoes, the relationship between vessel gear, shore facilities and cargo dimensions should be evaluated before fixing.
Freight and Commercial Conditions
Freight rate is only one part of the chartering decision.
The total commercial result may also depend on:
- vessel position;
- route;
- laycan;
- loading and discharging rates;
- demurrage;
- waiting time;
- port costs;
- bunker prices;
- congestion;
- seasonal market conditions;
- availability of suitable tonnage.
A lower freight indication does not always provide the lowest overall transportation cost if the proposed vessel creates operational limitations or additional expenses.
Charter Party Terms
The main commercial conditions should be agreed before a fixture is concluded.
Depending on the shipment, these may include:
- freight payment;
- laytime;
- demurrage;
- despatch;
- loading responsibilities;
- discharging responsibilities;
- cargo documentation;
- notices;
- commissions;
- charter-party form;
- special operational terms.
Clear fixture terms reduce the risk of commercial disputes during 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;
- comparing vessel alternatives;
- negotiating freight and commercial terms;
- coordinating fixture negotiations;
- charter-party coordination;
- commercial voyage follow-up.
For manufacturers and traders, the broker’s role is to help match the cargo requirement with suitable tonnage and commercially workable transportation terms.
More information about breakbulk cargo chartering is available on the dedicated Kiev Shipping service page.