Kiev Shipping Ltd has provided ship chartering and maritime brokerage services since 2000, working with cargo owners, traders, operators and other participants in the international freight market.
With 25+ years of experience, Kiev Shipping Ltd focuses on the commercial organization of sea transportation for breakbulk, project cargo and dry bulk cargoes. The company acts as an independent shipbroker and does not own vessels.
Breakbulk Cargo Chartering
Breakbulk cargo includes goods that are transported outside standard containers and may require individual handling, stowage or securing arrangements.
Typical breakbulk cargoes may include:
- bagged fertilizers;
- steel products;
- machinery;
- industrial equipment;
- construction materials;
- oversized units;
- other non-containerized cargoes.
Each shipment should be evaluated individually because vessel suitability depends on the cargo, route and port conditions.
Information Required for a Chartering Enquiry
Before approaching the freight market, cargo interests should prepare complete and accurate information.
A typical enquiry should include:
- cargo description;
- quantity;
- packing;
- dimensions and individual weights where applicable;
- loading port;
- discharging port;
- laycan;
- loading rate;
- discharging rate;
- draft restrictions;
- port or terminal limitations;
- special handling requirements.
Accurate information allows brokers and shipowners to identify more suitable vessel options and provide more realistic freight indications.
Vessel Selection
An available vessel is not automatically the right vessel for a breakbulk shipment.
Important factors may include:
- vessel deadweight;
- hold dimensions;
- hatch dimensions;
- cubic capacity;
- cargo gear;
- lifting capacity;
- draft;
- deck or tank-top limitations;
- loading and discharging arrangements.
For heavy or oversized units, dimensions, individual weights and lifting requirements become especially important.
The vessel should be checked against both cargo requirements and port limitations before commercial terms are finalized.
Freight and Commercial Factors
Freight rate is only one part of the chartering decision.
The final commercial result may also depend on:
- vessel position;
- route;
- laycan;
- loading and discharging rates;
- demurrage;
- waiting time;
- port costs;
- bunker prices;
- congestion;
- market conditions;
- availability of suitable tonnage.
A lower freight rate may not always produce the lowest overall transportation cost if the vessel is not operationally suitable.
The Role of the Shipbroker
Kiev Shipping Ltd works as an independent shipbroker between cargo interests and the international freight market.
The company assists with:
- vessel search;
- freight indications;
- comparison of vessel alternatives;
- negotiation of commercial terms;
- fixture negotiations;
- charter-party coordination;
- commercial voyage follow-up.
The broker’s role is to help match the cargo requirement with suitable tonnage and workable chartering terms.
More information about breakbulk cargo chartering is available on the dedicated Kiev Shipping service page.