Project Cargo Leading the Growth of Heavy-Lift Sector, Reports Breakbulk Magazine

NEWARK, N.J., Feb. 14, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- 2012 looks like it will be positive for the breakbulk shipping sector, but that forecast relies on the global economy maintaining a fine, perhaps fragile balance. Macroeconomics aside, Susan Oatway, economist and senior analyst for Drewry Shipping Consultants, reports in the current issue of Breakbulk Magazine that increased competition from container lines, the threat of piracy and, on the positive side, growth in the wind energy sector were all profound influences on the industry throughout 2011.

Project cargo clearly drives the heavy-lift sector. Many traditional project industries appear to have turned the corner in 2011, and the list of contracts being signed around the globe continues to grow. Whether it is gas exploration off Australia, wind farms in Brazil and India, or hydropower in China, the world appears to have awakened to concern for the climate and the related potential for renewable energy, Oatway said in Breakbulk's Ocean Carriers' Market Outlook.

Oatway will present a keynote address, Multipurpose Fleet Vessels Outlook, at the inaugural Breakbulk China Transportation Conference & Exhibition in Shanghai, Feb. 27-Mar.1, 2012.

Breakbulk's January-February 2012 issue provides a comprehensive outlook for the year ahead, with commentary from industry executives worldwide on challenges and strengths for the sector, and data on steel industry, forest products, piracy and more. Global news coverage includes the breakbulk industry's role in a renewed popularity of the ancient Silk Road route from China to Europe, industry conflicts in Brazil -- from problems with its ports to the protectionist policies complicating development of pre-salt offshore oil discoveries -- and expansion and rebuild projects in Rotterdam and Thailand.

About Breakbulk

The Breakbulk division of UBM Global Trade has been the most trusted source of intelligence for the breakbulk and project cargo industry since its first breakbulk conference in 1989. The Breakbulk division includes the bimonthly Breakbulk Magazine, three annual conferences and exhibitions, several two-day congresses, and access to business news articles, indices, archives and more on Breakbulk.com and the weekly e-newsletter, Breakbulk Newswire. Authoritative editorial content in the form of daily news and in-depth analysis ensure Breakbulk members have the data and information necessary to understand the issues facing the breakbulk, heavy-lift and project cargo shipping sectors. For membership information visit www.breakbulk.com/membership.

About UBM Global Trade

UBM Global Trade is the leading provider of proprietary data, news, business intelligence and analytical content supporting commercial maritime, rail, trucking, warehousing and logistics industries worldwide. The company's portfolio of more than 100 online, print and interactive workflow business solutions includes The Journal of Commerce, Breakbulk, RailResource, PIERS and an array of international trade and transportation databases and directories. UBM Global Trade, a subsidiary of UBM LLC, is headquartered in Newark, NJ, with offices throughout the United States. For more information, explore www.ubmglobaltrade.com or call 800-223-0243 (+1-973-848-7250 outside the U.S. or Canada).