Breakbulk and Project Cargo Conference 2026

Breakbulk and project demand is returning to the sector after geopolitically-induced slowdown. Specialized carriers are optimistic about 2026, while shipper expectations vary within industry sectors. Oil and gas, power, mining and metals are trending positively, while chemicals and renewables are quieter.

Project and breakbulk cargo shippers tell the Journal of Commerce that while uncertainty and chaos will continue into the first half of 2026, US tariffs and fees will not be the only destabilizing forces. Unpredictability and the inability to plan have been added to the melee. The ability to recalibrate and to find new sourcing, new industry partners and new approaches to counter the risks of unpredictability have never been more important.

After a stagnant 2025, when many shippers were either scrambling to adapt sourcing or waiting out rapid-fire announcements and tariff changes, projects are reaching final decisions once again. Cargo demand for 2026 is particularly strong for oil and gas, power and energy storage solutions.

Conference sessions will include discussions with subject matter experts on geopolitics, energy and the MPV fleet, in-depth panel sessions, focus sessions and our popular interactive project cargo case study. Stellar high-level networking, as always, will be the lifeblood of the event.

We will be officially launching the Journal of Commerce Breakbulk Index.

Discussions planned for 2026 include:
– Geopolitics and the global risk barometer
– Global shipping outlook and cargo forecast
– Managing sourcing and supply chain risk
– Meeting the expectations of industry newcomers
– Sustainability in 2026: calibrating global expectations
– State of the multipurpose/heavy-lift fleet
– Oil and gas, cleantech and AI/electrification capex trends
– The state of US inland transportation
– FTZs, transport risk management and customs