UML expands into breakbulk and project market

Not generally associated with non-containerised cargo, United Maritime Logistics has broken new ground and expanded into the breakbulk and project field with several shipments under its belt and more to come. Well known in the industry as a specialised groupage operator from the US, the company’s strength in that market is what clinched the deal. “We were approached by Micor Shipping in November last year to arrange the import of mining machinery from the US,” UML Johannesburg branch manager Corinne French told FTW. “It was a partnership venture,” said French, “with UML acting as the NVOCC for Micor. “Our holding company is Direct Container Line/Vanguard Logistics, the largest NVOCC out of the States, and they carry huge volumes of project cargo globally with a dedicated project division based in Chicago.” The first shipment comprised shuttle cars and scoops for deep cast mines, UML’s Eben de Villiers explained. “This was followed by a massive crane comprising 849 cubic metres and weighing 177 tons that was discharged in Durban last month from a Hoëgh Autoliners vessel,” he told FTW. “Staff from UML and Micor were on hand in Durban when the vessel discharged to ensure that there were no damages to the pieces considering the size of the cargo that was handled,” says French. “In fact we received a call at midnight to be at the port at 2am to witness the offloading – a process that was completed by 5.30 that morning.” And according to Micor’s Durban general manager Dave Scott, it’s been smooth sailing all the way, with Micor arranging the clearing and forwarding once the equipment was discharged in Durban. “The logistics of getting the shipment to the port is one of the biggest challenges,” said De Villiers. “With pieces weighing 32-37 tons each – which exceeds all road limitations – different permits were required for each US state. Our specialist understanding of the US market was a huge advantage.” French believes a lot of people are keen to move into the breakbulk sector but don’t have the understanding of the US market. “We offer them the expertise in the US and give them an opportunity to test new waters.” UML has been importing project cargo on a month to month basis since November and expects this to continue for the forseeable future.