Safe Carriage of Project & Breakbulk Cargo in Marine Insurance P&I Club News 01/01/2026 Introduction Project cargoes come in many shapes and forms and can be complex, high value cargo consignments (including large and heavy break-bulk shipments), that could be of a non-standard dimensions, shape and/or weight distribution. Examples include power transformers, wind turbine parts, cranes, battery equipment storage systems (BESS), helicopters, small vessels and prefabricated plant. These cargoes can be difficult to handle because of their size, shape, or weight and as such require special attention at every stage from loading through to stowage, securing, carriage and discharge. Project cargoes are generally safe for carriage at sea, but they do require careful planning and risk assessment by all concerned parties, particularly shippers and carriers. If important factors are overlooked during the planning stage, there is a risk that these large and/or heavy cargoes may shift during the voyage. This Risk Alert provides general guidance to support the safe transport of project and break-bulk cargoes. Pre-Shipment Evaluation Project cargoes are often carried on general cargo, multi-purpose ships & heavy lift vessels, which are designed and built to handle such loads. Depending on the cargo’s size, shape, weight and value, container ships, PCTC or other vessels may also be used. Due to the size and weight of project and break-bulk cargoes, careful planning and coordination among all parties is needed, including a vessel feasibility study to ensure that the chosen ship is suitable for carrying the intended cargo, mitigating against damage to the cargo, ship or marine environment, and injury to the crew. It is also essential to ensure an experienced and properly trained crew for planning, execution and supervision of cargo stowage, securing and care. During the ship’s feasibility study, it is important to assess that stability requirements will be met, and that the vessel’s structural integrity will not be compromised. This includes preparing a pre-stowage plan, ensuring deck strength limits are not exceeded, and confirming that the ballast system can handle the effects of any sudden list or trim caused by heavy cargo. To ensure safe navigation during the voyage it is important to ensure that navigation bridge visibility is not hampered by project cargoes. However, if visibility is to be affected, an exemption can be requested from the competent authorities, such as the Flag State and/or its Recognised Organisations. Concurrently, the navigational acceptability of the visibility restrictions at the load port, discharge port and during intermediate passages should be assessed. These are amongst the considerations for ensuring that the cargo can be safely loaded, secured, carried, and discharged. A port feasibility study should be conducted to verify that there is appropriate equipment available to handle large or heavy cargo. There may also be berth limitations, restrictions and local rules to be observed that affect how cargo can be loaded or unloaded. In planning a shipment, it is important to consider the cargo’s size, weight, shape, and other key characteristics when determining how to safely ship the cargo. For example, flat racks may be needed for container ships, or Mafi trailers for PCTC vessels. These and other similar considerations should help to ensure the cargo is carried securely. As a part of the planning stage, it is also essentia