Special Cargo

We provide tailored and efficient solutions for shipping your Out of Gauge, In Gauge and Break Bulk cargo.

We take special care of your special cargo

At Maersk, we recognise that handling special cargo is different from traditional container shipping.

With more than 40 years of experience in transporting oversized and heavy shipments and an unparalleled global network, we have the capacity to deliver your special cargo to any part of the world. Our international team of special cargo experts have an in-depth knowledge and understanding of the challenges involved, and are here to help you every step of the way.

Experience the ease and convenience of dealing with a one-stop shop

Spend your time and efforts on your business and not on coordinating with multiple qualified sub-tier vendors and suppliers to accomplish your project cargo goals.

Global supply chain infrastructure
Global Network
A global network of ships, trucks, trains, barges and air service
Warehouse shipment
Space and special equipment
Quick and easy access to equipment, space and skills, just when you need them
International Expertise
International expertise
Our international team of project cargo experts are here to help you every step of the way.
Electronics
Market-leading online tools
for quotes, routes and schedules
Chain arrow pictogram
Multiple weekly departures
that offer the flexibility to seize business opportunities
Special Tariff rates
Modern special equipment fleet
We continuously invest in Project Cargo containers, digital capabilities, and most importantly people.

Our experience and capabilities in logistics services enable us to offer a number of valued additions to your project cargo logistics needs:

Multi model transport
Multi modal transport
To keep your cargo moving over waterways, on land or in air, we use a combination to make sure it goes all the way.
Lashing Operations
Lashing operations
Your cargo is tied and secured according to the navigational routes
Inspection
Customs and clearances
Our Custom House Brokerage services handle the customs related challenges
Brief case Quality
Value Protect
Keeping the value of your cargo protected from logistics related risks

We ship all types of special cargo

Oversized and overweight cargo is characterised by exceeding the proportions and capabilities of a single standard container. Whether you are shipping a 350-ton tugboat, a 46-metre crane arm or a 17-metre propeller, we have the expertise and equipment available to deliver. 

We provide tailored and efficient solutions for shipping your In Gauge, Out of Gauge and Break Bulk cargo.

In Gauge cargo

  • The dimensions of the cargo are smaller than or equal to those of the flat rack or open top container (i.e. it requires special equipment but does not displace additional slots on the vessel).
  • Examples of In Gauge shipments: machinery or large trees that can be lowered into an open top container.
  • If you are shipping In Gauge cargo, you can book your shipment in just a few minutes on Maersk.com.
In gauge special cargo

Out of Gauge cargo

  • The dimensions of the cargo exceed the flat rack or open top container by length, width or height, but can still be unitised in containers.
  • Examples of Out of Gauge shipments: propellers, flanges or trucks.
Out of Gauge Cargo

Break Bulk cargo

  • Vastly exceeds the size and/or weight of a standard container and is therefore handled as non-unitised cargo and normally placed on a bed of flat racks with a large number of lashing points.
  • Examples of common Break Bulk shipments: yachts, masts, industrial machines or train carriages.
Special Cargo

Cargo container specifications

Kindly note dimensions vary with container series – for dimensions of specific unit please contact us.

Select cargo category

Maximum Payload: The maximum permitted mass of payload, including the dunnage and cargo securement arrangements that are not associated with the container in its normal operating condition.

Tare weight: Mass of empty container including all fittings and appliances associated with a particular type of container in its normal operating condition.

Maximum Gross weight: The maximum mass for operating a container, including the tare weight and the maximum payload.

Units expressed in kilograms.

Select dry cargo container type

Maximum Payload: The maximum permitted mass of payload, including the dunnage and cargo securement arrangements that are not associated with the container in its normal operating condition.

Tare weight: Mass of empty container including all fittings and appliances associated with a particular type of container in its normal operating condition.

Maximum Gross weight: The maximum mass for operating a container, including the tare weight and the maximum payload.

Units expressed in kilograms.

Select refrigerated cargo container type

Maximum Payload: The maximum permitted mass of payload, including the dunnage and cargo securement arrangements that are not associated with the container in its normal operating condition.

Tare weight: Mass of empty container including all fittings and appliances associated with a particular type of container in its normal operating condition.

Maximum Gross weight: The maximum mass for operating a container, including the tare weight and the maximum payload.

Units expressed in kilograms.

Select Special cargo container type

Maximum Payload: The maximum permitted mass of payload, including the dunnage and cargo securement arrangements that are not associated with the container in its normal operating condition.

Tare weight: Mass of empty container including all fittings and appliances associated with a particular type of container in its normal operating condition.

Maximum Gross weight: The maximum mass for operating a container, including the tare weight and the maximum payload.

Units expressed in kilograms.

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