Breakbulk packing guide: What you need to know
Breakbulk comes in all shapes and sizes and thorough planning is essential. To help us help you, here’s a packing guide to make your breakbulk products' journey as smooth as possible.
Proper packing, marking, and securing points are essential for protecting products at sea, as ships are subject to various motions and accelerations. Following International Maritime Organization (IMO) regulations, we make sure your cargo is firmly secured and ready to withstand these conditions.
Making sure your products reach their destination in perfect condition isn’t just a priority. It’s a shared mission between you and us. With your preparation and attention ahead of the shipment, the stage is set for a successful voyage before the ship even leaves port.
What are my responsibilities when it comes to packing?
Packing your products doesn't have to be complicated if you understand what makes for effective packing. It's important to recognize that packing methods differ depending on whether your products have direct lashing points or not.
Securing points play a crucial role in safely lashing your cargo onboard the vessel. These securing points should be attached directly to the cargo inside the packaging, or to the packaging itself if the cargo and packing form a single, solid unit.
For products above 10MT with direct lashing points:
- Secure directly as required by IMO and not by top over lashing.
- The total maximum securing load of the lashing points must correspond to the own weight of the cargo.
- The position of lashing points must be suitable to secure the cargo in all directions.
For products above 10MT without direct lashing points:
- Drawings and pictorial descriptions of the cargo must be displayed outside of the packing and/or sent via email.
- Clear documentation of securing arrangement inside the packing must be provided.
- Lashing points of sufficient strength and number must be fitted to the outside of the case and must be marked on the packing or advised.
- The total maximum securing load must correspond to own weight of the cargo on each side of the case.
- Codes and/or standards that the packing complies to must be provided
The requirements outlined above serve as general guidelines. Reach out to our customer service or your Wallenius Wilhelmsen account manager to find the best packing solution for your products.
What labelling and marking needs to be on the unit?
Marking on packing provides important information to the carrier and stevedores handling your products and must comply with international standards.
The following information should be made available in a plastic pocket or stamped on the packing:
- Port of load and port of discharge
- Wood treatment
- Consignee
- Dimensions (length x width x height)
- Gross mass
- Position of centre of gravity
- Transport drawings/picture of cargo
