June 18 - Despite the gloom about the state of the global economy, the Port of Rotterdam remains upbeat about prospects for breakbulk and heavy lift activities in the long term.

In the company's latest customer bulletin, Jouke Schaap - manager, Breakbulk Department says, that at the recent Breakbulk Europe event, "it was good to learn that breakbulk carriers are expected to weather the global economic downturn better than other sectors, as fewer new ships have been ordered in recent years. 

"We also see that the breakbulk shipping sector is exploring new trade lanes rather then laying up vessels." 

Mr Schaap, who led one of the panel discussions at Breakbulk Europe, indicated that while opinions differed considerably on the prospects and varied per sector, everyone on the panel agreed that the breakbulk business would emerge stronger from the crisis when the economic tide turns, adding that the sector is a resilient one.

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