Breakbulk/project cargo terminals combine

Canadian Pacific Kansas City is testing US-bound import containers from Mexico’s Lazaro Cardenas to Houston.

Houston, Texas-based Intermarine, which is part of Germany’s Harren shipping group, has added four vessels to its fleet of multipurpose ships.

The Netherlands-based heavy lift technology company Fastro has come up with a new technique [patented] for attaching slings to heavy loads. Its new system is both quicker and lighter than traditional bow shackles. The modular approach aims to improve safety and ergonomic working conditions, along with providing a more cost-effective rigging solution.

Ports in the Asean trading bloc are being expanded and their cargo handling facilities modernised as both intra-regional and international trade volumes increase.

The heavy lift/project cargo market is expected to post relatively strong rates of growth over the coming years and shipowners and operators are investing heavily in the sector.

In August 2023, the US’s leading Gulf coast port of Houston handled 20% fewer containers than in the same month of 2022. A total 307,624 TEU was processed.