Multipurpose Vessel Outlook Breakbulk & Project Cargo
AI can be used to help optimize loading plans for breakbulk cargo .. Shutterstock . com
“ The middle part of the 2020s will be looked back upon as a defining moment in history that changed the way we did things ,” Nair wrote . “ The field of supply chain , specifically project logistics , is no exception .”
He specifically noted that AI could impact product design and transport engineering .
“ Having AI collate data on project site location — route information , bridges along the route , port capabilities and regional geopolitical news — can yield not only the optimum route , but also where to manufacture and the best mode of transport to get it to the project site ,” Nair wrote .
While the project and breakbulk industry wrestles with how to adopt and deploy AI , it is likely it will benefit from demand for AI-enabled solutions across all industries .
“ If you start to look into the power needs of that sector , it ’ s astounding the amount of power that ’ s going to be needed for the data centers , for chip manufacturing and now for [ the Trump administration ’ s planned $ 500 billion ] AI project ,” John Hark , a director at Bertling Logistics and an adjunct professor at Texas A & M at Galveston , said during a Journal of Commerce webcast Jan . 23 . “ The power is going to have to come from somewhere ... That ’ s good for the project market , because we ’ re going to continue to see these power projects , transformer projects and transmission line projects .”
Colaco , meanwhile , said he only sees some shippers having the technological maturity and desire to take on the level of digitalization required to get the most out of AI-based solutions . “ It ’ s a smaller subset of shippers ,” he said . “ Most think of AI as tools and , ‘ If my forwarder has it , let me just use those .’”
Ripe for disruption
Despite the slow uptake , the project cargo sector is ripe for disruption through AI , according to Arnoud Dekkers , head of business development – industrial projects MEA at DHL Global Forwarding . Dekkers highlighted the transformative potential of AI across various project cargo processes , from route optimization and load planning to cargo tracking .
DHL is developing in-house route optimization models with algorithms designed to identify ideal routes for firstand last-mile deliveries . The forwarder also collaborates with supply chain risk management analytics partners to monitor global events in real time , enabling proactive contingency planning and predictive insights .
AI can analyze a multitude of factors , from “ weather patterns , port congestion and geopolitical risks , to recommending the best routes for oversized or heavy-lift cargo ,” Dekkers told the Journal of Commerce . Machine learning models can “ predict potential delays and suggest contingency plans ,” while AI-driven freight management systems can optimize multi-modal transport options .
Project cargo load planning and cargo optimization also benefit from AI capabilities .
“ AI can optimize load configurations for breakbulk and project cargo , reducing wasted space and improving weight distribution ,” Dekkers said . “ 3D modeling and AI-driven simulations can help determine the best way to stow cargo safely , minimizing damage risks .” He added that AI planners are being integrated into loading simulators to identify ideal load stuffing .
In addition , AI-driven sensors and machine learning can enhance real-time cargo tracking and visibility into cargo conditions , such as temperature , vibration and humidity , as well as location , Dekkers said .
“ AI can analyze this tracking data to detect anomalies , such as unauthorized access or unexpected delays ,” he said . Other areas of project logistics in which AI is making inroads include predictive maintenance for equipment and fleets , procurement and pricing , automation and robotics in ports and warehousing , and sustainability and emissions reduction .
“ AI can analyze historical performance data to predict when cranes , trucks , ships , or other equipment needs maintenance , reducing downtime and unexpected failures ,” Dekkers said . It can also analyze freight rates and market conditions to predict pricing trends and negotiate better contracts , he added .
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14 Journal of Commerce | March 2025 www . joc . com