Risk and Recalibration

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

Project and breakbulk cargo shippers told the Journal of Commerce that while uncertainty and chaos would continue into the first half of 2026, US tariffs and fees would not be the only destabilizing forces. Unpredictability and the inability to plan had 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 had 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 were reaching final decisions once again. Cargo demand for 2026 was particularly strong for oil and gas, power and energy storage solutions.

April’s Journal of Commerce Breakbulk and Project Cargo Conference was still months away and we lacked a crystal ball for predicting the future, but we did know we would bring together breakbulk and project cargo shippers, ocean and land-based specialized carriers, project forwarders, ports and terminals, and other breakbulk supply chain service providers in New Orleans. From April 20-22, we would pick our way through this complex industry and the logistics opportunities and challenges that faced the breakbulk and project cargo logistics supply chain.

Conference sessions would 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, would be the lifeblood of the event. And, after a year of analysis and calibration, we were excited to announce that we would be officially launching the Journal of Commerce Breakbulk Index,

We invited everyone to join us in New Orleans, where, together, we would tackle the issues head on at the world’s most impactful breakbulk and project cargo industry event.

Discussions planned for 2026 included:

  • 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
  • And more!