Hapag-Lloyd is focusing more intensely than before on special cargo for container vessels.

To transport more cargo which does not fit into standard containers due to oversize or overweight, Hapag-Lloyd has strengthened its team of specialists. In addition to its Special Cargo Division at its headquarters in Hamburg, Special Cargo Teams have been established for the major markets in Asia and South and North America. More than 50 sales and technical specialists for out of gauge (OOG) transports are available to support customers worldwide.

“Special cargo is a growing market throughout the world,” said Thorsten Haeser, chief commercial officer of Hapag-Lloyd. “Hapag-Lloyd has many years of experience in this segment. We intend to reach more customers and grow in this segment as well.”

Hapag-Lloyd is also increasing its sales and marketing activities with regard to special cargo. Special cargo can be transported, loaded and unloaded on almost all vessels operated by Hapag-Lloyd in any major port. OOG cargo shippers have access to 121 liner services at present calling regularly at all major ports worldwide.

“Safe and punctual transport of special cargo is a major priority for us,” said Michael Pradel, Hapag-Lloyd’s managing director for Europe and responsible for implementation of the project. “Each transport is individually organized, coordinated and monitored by experienced engineers and navigators.”

With offices in all major ports, Hapag-Lloyd provides its customers with a local contact personally supervising loading and unloading procedures for special cargo.

Among recent special cargo projects, Hapag-Lloyd carried a 343-ton turbine for a South Korean energy company from Charleston, South Carolina, to Busan, South Korea. After the 34th America’s Cup, the Formula One of sailing, Hapag-Lloyd transported the Italian catamaran Luna Rossa from the official site of the race in the U.S., back to the sailing team’s base in Cagliari, Italy. The boat has a hull length of about 22 meters, a width of 14 meters, and a weight of six tons.

“These examples show that each special cargo has its own particular requirements which we are happy to satisfy,” said David Piel, senior manager for special cargo at Hapag-Lloyd. “With this know-how we provide safe and reliable transport of heavy and oversized cargo.”