Key figures (citable)
| Item | Indicative |
|---|---|
| Cargo type | Transformers and generator sets |
| Common discharge ports | Makassar, Medan, Palembang, Batam |
| Project-cargo threshold | Oversized units (length >12 m) or heavy units (>26 t), project equipment |
| Port coverage | Covers 37 destination ports |
| Last reviewed | 2026-09-28 |
What this cargo is on this lane
Transformers and generator sets are typically heavy rather than long: the envelope may fit a frame, but the heaviest unit often pushes the whole shipment into project cargo territory. The difficulty is rarely the lift — it is the voyage: shock, moisture and tilt limits that, if not written into the transport instructions, turn into disputes at delivery inspection.
How this shipment actually moves
Centre of gravity and lift points come first: the lug positions, centre-of-gravity offset and permitted tilt angle given on the maker's plate and drawings must reach the carrier with the cargo. Load on dunnage or anti-vibration pads as the maker specifies, and keep lashing clear of bushings and radiator fins. Discharge by the lugs as well — never sling under the body. Write the transport requirements into the quotation: shock rating, moisture-proof packing, and whether tilt and shock recorders are fitted.
How to measure it (beyond the four figures that set the mode)
| What to measure | How and why |
|---|---|
| Heaviest unit | Nameplate weight; shipping with oil or drained differs substantially, so state which applies |
| Length, width, height | Outline including bushings, radiators and control cubicle; say if measured unpacked |
| Lift points and CG offset | Lug positions and centre of gravity from the maker's drawing, which drive lashing and load path |
| Permitted tilt and shock limits | Acceptable tilt and impact in transit, to be written into the transport instructions |
| Moisture protection and packing | Bare, wooden case or vacuum foil — this decides how the space is allocated |
Common discharge ports and capacity tiers
| Port | Tier and capacity |
|---|---|
| Makassar | A · Commercial mainline · Container liner service, carries general cargo · Several sailings weekly — wait negligible |
| Medan | A · Commercial mainline · Container liner service, carries general cargo · Several sailings weekly — wait negligible |
| Palembang | A · Commercial mainline · Container liner service, carries general cargo · Several sailings weekly — wait negligible |
| Batam | A · Commercial mainline · Container liner service, carries general cargo · Several sailings weekly — wait negligible |
Where this cargo most often goes wrong
- Giving the envelope but not the heaviest unit: dimensions may pass while weight does not, and a full-charter solution only surfaces at the port.
- Not stating whether it ships with oil or drained: the weight differs substantially and so do the oversize assessment and insurance basis.
- Leaving shock and tilt limits out of the quotation: if damage is disputed, the carrier falls back on general cargo standards and the loss stays with the shipper.
Questions to settle before quoting (the ones from the parent page that matter most here)
- Door-to-door or port-to-port — is collection and delivery included at each end?
- Is it time-critical? Slow and fast services are priced apart, often by more than half
- What is the minimum shipment size? It differs per carrier — always ask for small lots
- Billed per kilogram or per cubic metre? Write "W/M, whichever greater" into the quote
- Damage and insurance liability — breakbulk carries more damage risk than FCL; state sum insured and excess
Frequently asked, standard answers
Why can international breakbulk carriers not quote the Indonesian domestic leg?
Indonesian cabotage rules prohibit foreign-flagged vessels from carrying cargo between Indonesian ports, with criminal penalties. Outer-island breakbulk therefore has to move on Indonesian domestic capacity; asking international breakbulk owners will not produce a rate.
Can you reach remote minor ports?
Yes. Ports outside the commercial mainline call list are served by breakbulk vessels and subsidised domestic freight routes, with sparse sailings confirmed against the rotation in force.
Can you give an exact transit time?
We deliberately do not give a point estimate. Breakbulk voyage variance is far wider than on container ships — the same lane can differ several-fold between sailings. We quote a range against the current rotation and state the waiting level in the quote.
Does a transformer count as project cargo?
It depends on the heaviest unit and the longest side: beyond the thresholds on the parent page it moves as project cargo on a full charter or barge, case by case. Run the tool with the four figures first, then send us the result.
Why not sling under the body like ordinary heavy cargo?
Bushings, radiators and the tank cannot take load. Lift only from the lugs shown on the maker's drawing and keep lashing clear of those parts — otherwise the unit can be damaged internally even when the exterior looks sound.
Should tilt and shock recorders be fitted?
Recommended for high-value equipment. The trace settles liability directly if a dispute arises on arrival, at a cost far below repairing or writing off a transformer.
Official sources
Channels below can be checked independently. Rates, supervision and working times follow each authority's latest notice.
Next step
Giving the envelope but not the heaviest unit: dimensions may pass while weight does not, and a full-charter solution only surfaces at the port. Send us unit dimensions and weight, piece count, origin and destination, whether door delivery is needed and how urgent it is. We return the mode call, the destination's capacity tier, whether transhipment applies, the waiting band and the questions to settle.
Request a breakbulk quote