en.Wedoany.com Reported - Ocean Network Express (ONE) recently completed the transportation of a special out-of-gauge cargo from Sri Lanka to Northern Europe. The cargo was loaded onto the ONE READINESS vessel at the Port of Colombo, destined for the Port of Rotterdam in the Netherlands.

This shipment was carried via ONE's Indian Ocean Express (IOX) service. Launched in 2024, this service connects India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and Northern Europe, aiming to expand direct route coverage from the Indian subcontinent to Europe. The Port of Colombo also handles transshipment cargo from eastern India and Bangladesh on this route.

The port rotation of the IOX route includes Karachi, Hazira, Mundra, Nhava Sheva, Colombo, London Gateway, Rotterdam, Hamburg, and Antwerp. Due to security risks in the Red Sea, the route currently diverts around the Cape of Good Hope.

Out-of-gauge cargo, which does not conform to standard container dimensions, depends on stowage planning, lashing and securing, port coordination, and equipment availability for transportation. Any miscalculation of height, width, or lifting point positions can lead to issues with berths, cranes, or safety. ONE stated that its team and partners completed the safe and efficient transport of this cargo as part of its project cargo and out-of-gauge cargo services.

For the Port of Rotterdam, this shipment highlights its role as a gateway for non-standard container cargo in Northern Europe. For the Port of Colombo, this transport reinforces its position as a transshipment hub for deep-sea trade between South Asia and Europe.

This shipment also demonstrates the potential for container liner companies to leverage existing liner networks to capture more project cargo and breakbulk freight. While heavy-lift vessels remain the primary means for large industrial project cargo, liner operators are also attractive when cargo dimensions, schedules, and ports align. The call of the ONE READINESS vessel indicates that, amid route decisions influenced by security risks and schedule pressures, shippers are seeking reliable space, predictable routing, and direct access to Northern Europe.