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Bigger. Better. Breakbulk.

How can we help you?

Back in the day, without exception, all the cargo handled in the port of Rotterdam was breakbulk. Warehouses were bursting at the seams from the immense quantities of goods packed in chests, crates and barrels. All the loading and unloading was done with bare hands. Times have changed but Rotterdam’s still has its passion for breakbulk.

Rotterdam: Europe’s breakbulk hub

The port of Rotterdam has got your back. We can handle any type, size or weight of cargo and that is why we are Europe’s most versatile breakbulk hub. Our driving ambition to lead the way in breakbulk and our willingness to invest in this position makes Rotterdam an excellent base of operations for companies in this sector.

Breakbulk Europe back in Rotterdam in 2023!

After the success of the first Breakbulk Europe 2022 exhibition in Rotterdam, the Rotterdam alliance has already started preparations for 2023. Breakbulk Europe is the largest exhibition for the project cargo and breakbulk industry, attracting thousands of national and international participants to Rotterdam.

Breakbulk

Why we love breakbulk

Ship Otago is itself heavy lift cargo when lifted in bigger vessel

We see no limits

Heavy lift and project cargo, offshore wind, steel, forest products, RoRo cargo, automotive or non-ferrous metals: we provide the full range of services for every cluster. We have Europe’s biggest fleet of sheerlegs, and land and floating cranes. There are no limits with locks and tides so any breakbulk coming from Rotterdam can be delivered to Europe’s most important industrial areas within 24 hours, and vice-versa.

Monopile, heavy lift en route to vessel

Straightforward

The Dutch are known for their no-nonsense, straightforward character. That is at the heart of our transparent approach. And we also work closely and directly with industry. With our Port of Rotterdam Breakbulk Community, we facilitate the entire breakbulk supply chain. So we can service you every step of the way and always deliver the right solution.

Pipe is loaded into ship with heavy lift

One step ahead

We lead the way in sustainability and digitalisation. Our digital solutions deliver greater efficiency and transparency for the port community. They minimise any waste of time, fuel or other costs. We invest in the greener supply chains of the future. The port of Rotterdam provides extra rewards for companies that actively tackle climate change.

Our portfolio

Heavy lift and project cargo

Steel

Non-ferrous metals

Forest products

Offshore

Automotive

Rotterdam based players

There are specialised shipping companies in Rotterdam for each type of breakbulk cargo.

White papers

Drivers of change
In this whitepaper, Bart-Luc Olde Hanter, Head of Business Development at Rhenus Logistics B.V., Robert Jan van der Voort, Chartering Manager at Cargow and Siebe Kramer, General Manager at Sea-Cargo Agencies shared their views on recent developments and trends. Disruptions and price increases do not leave the breakbulk market unscathed. But there are definitely opportunities too, for example when it comes to further digitalisation and sustainability of supply chains.

Opportunities and threats for the breakbulk sector
In this white paper we look at opportunities and threats for breakbulk business, together with industry experts Johan-Paul Verschuure, Project Director of the Ports & Logistics Team at consulting company Rebel and Hugo du Mez, Advisor Strategy & Analysis at the Port of Rotterdam Authority.  

Energy transition transforms the breakbulk industry
In this white paper we look at huge opportunities, fundamental changes and threats for breakbulk industry, together with industry experts Janet Nodar, Senior Editor for Project and Breakbulk Cargo at The Journal of Commerce, and Wilco van der Lans, Business Manager Energy Transition at Port of Rotterdam Authority.

Port of Rotterdam sets sail for even greater breakbulk success
In this whitepaper, Business Managers Breakbulk and Offshore Industry at Port of Rotterdam Authority Joost Eenhuizen and Twan Romeijn, talk about the major contributors to the position of the port of Rotterdam as the number 1 breakbulk port in Europe.

Latest news

Aerial view from Maasvlakte 2 inland
24 / 4 / 2023

Slight decline in freight throughput port of Rotterdam in first quarter of 2023

Ships at the quay at Marcor Stevedoring, where expansion is now underway.
3 / 3 / 2023

Marcor Stevedoring expands in Mississippihaven

Freyja W (Cargow) alongside the quay at the Steinweg Beatrix terminal where the shorepower pilot will be conducted.
Energy transition
24 / 1 / 2023

'Change is far from easy, but we are on the right track'

Port worker at blades offshore wind turbines
26 / 10 / 2022

Breakbulk Europe returns to Rotterdam in 2023

Marcor Stevedoring B.V. to operate dry bulk terminal at Steinweg Hartel Terminal
16 / 5 / 2022

Marcor Stevedoring B.V. to operate dry bulk terminal at Steinweg Hartel Terminal