Breakbulk Shipping

Specialised handling of heavy lift, oversized and complex project cargo with expert planning.

Universal Africa Lines is equipped to transport hazardous goods (incl. IMO 1 / IMO 7 cargoes) safely and in full compliance with international IMO regulations.

Core Expertise: UAL specialises in breakbulk shipping, transporting cargo that cannot be containerised, using multipurpose, heavy-lift vessels.
Industry Coverage: Tailored logistics solutions for Oil & Gas, Energy, Mining and Construction sectors requiring precision cargo handling.
Heavy Lift Capabilities: Vessels equipped with cranes and certified gear to manage oversized, irregular and complex project cargo safely.
Shallow draft landing crafts: Specialist in delivering cargo in the most remote areas.
Integrated Logistics: End-to-end transport via ship, barge, rail and truck with project management and customs support.
Reliable Liner Service: Regular schedules linking Europe, the U.S. and West Africa, providing consistency and dependable delivery times.
Global Network & Local Insight: Agents across continents ensure on-site coordination, local compliance and seamless communication from loading to delivery.
Hazardous Cargo Handling: Fully licensed for dangerous goods, IMO 1 and IMO 7, ensuring compliance with international safety and environmental standards.

Continue reading more about our Breakbulk Services

At UAL we specialise in breakbulk shipping, the safe, efficient and professional transport of cargo that cannot be containerised. Our fleet of multipurpose, heavy-lift vessels and experienced crews ensure that every consignment, from industrial machinery to full project cargo, is handled with precision and care.

With decades of expertise in reliable and fast cargo handling, we deliver tailored logistics solutions for demanding industries such as Oil & Gas, Energy, Construction and Mining. Whether your shipment is oversized, hazardous or requires complex lifting operations, UAL provides the right combination of vessels, equipment and technical know-how to ensure timely and secure delivery.

UAL Shipping - Breakbulk Heavy Cargo Load

Specialists in Heavy Lift and Project Cargo

UAL’s breakbulk operations are built on versatility and accuracy. Our multipurpose, tween-deck geared vessels are equipped with heavy-lift cranes and specialised gear designed to manage large, irregular, or heavy cargo safely and efficiently.

From structural steel and prefabricated units to oil field and energy equipment, every shipment is managed with meticulous attention to safety. All lifting gear, lashing materials and auxiliary tools are fully certified and regularly inspected to meet international Health, Safety & Environment (HSE) standards.

This technical capability enables us to handle cargoes that exceed standard container limitations, offering flexible solutions for clients across multiple industries and continents.

Commitment to Continuous Improvement

UAL Alliance remains dedicated to continuous improvement in all areas of safety management.

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Safe and Swift Handling of Hazardous Cargo

In addition to project and conventional freight, UAL is fully licensed to transport hazardous and dangerous goods. Safety is embedded in every aspect of our operations, at sea, on shore and throughout port handling.

Every crew member and stevedore receives comprehensive safety training to manage sensitive cargo in compliance with international safety and environmental regulations. By combining robust systems with a strong culture of accountability, we ensure that even the most complex shipments are executed smoothly, maintaining our commitment to fast, reliable and safe cargo handling.

A Complete Breakbulk Logistics Solution

UAL provides end-to-end logistics management, coordinating multimodal transport to reach even the most remote or challenging destinations. Our services include:

Ship and barge transport for coastal and river operations
Rail and truck connections for inland distribution
Project management and on-site coordination for heavy or oversized cargo
Customs documentation and clearance through our global agent network

This integrated approach ensures efficient communication between all stakeholders, minimising delays and ensuring that your cargo reaches its destination safely, efficiently and cost-effectively.

Regular Liner Service You Can Depend On

Consistency is the foundation of UAL’s operations. We maintain a regular liner service with dependable schedules connecting Europe, the United States and Africa.

Our vessels adhere to strict timetables, enabling clients to plan projects and deliveries with confidence. This reliability, combined with our expertise in breakbulk and heavy-lift shipping, makes UAL a trusted logistics partner for industries where precision and punctuality are essential.

Global Service, Local Expertise

UAL combines global service with strong local representation. Through our network of agents and offices in Africa, Europe and the U.S., we maintain direct communication throughout every stage of transport.

Our local teams oversee loading, discharge, documentation and compliance, ensuring smooth coordination and adherence to both international and regional standards. This structure allows us to respond quickly to on-site challenges and guarantee reliable, fast cargo handling from departure to delivery.

Your Partner in Breakbulk Shipping

With decades of hands-on experience, UAL stands as a leader in breakbulk and project logistics. We understand the complexities of transporting heavy, oversized, or hazardous cargo and deliver tailored, practical and safe solutions for every shipment.

Whether handling a single heavy-lift component or managing a full project, our promise remains the same: reliability, safety and precision, every port, every voyage, every time.