Meet our experts: Kentaro Nishikubo
In the next iteration of our “Meet our Experts” series, where you will hear employees share some of their unique expertise and knowledge, meet Kentaro Nishikubo. A true pioneer in breakbulk cargo operations, Kentaro set his sights on Wallenius Wilhelmsen from the very beginning.
Say hello to,
Kentaro Nishikubo. I joined Wallenius Wilhelmsen in 2008, driven by a lifelong passion for breakbulk cargo and port operations. Growing up in Hachinohe, a port town in northern Japan, I was fascinated by the teamwork and machinery involved in handling diverse cargo. This early interest led me to earn certifications in forklift driving and crane slinging while still a student, laying the foundation for my career.
I began at Wallenius Wilhelmsen in CQ, mastering operational basics over three years, before transitioning to ASEU to gain experience in capacity management and sales. My eight years in Japan as a Supercargo and planner, managing thousands of breakbulk shipments in a top global market, defined my expertise. Now, as a Breakbulk Technical Expert, I tackle complex challenges in special breakbulk cargo daily.
Breakbulk isn’t just about moving cargo..
It’s about safeguarding what matters most to our customers. For me, there’s a deep sense of pride in being part of a team that takes this responsibility seriously.
Breakbulk is a puzzle that combines safety, precision, and creativity. Every shipment is unique, from its shape and size to its handling requirements. This makes breakbulk fascinating, but it also comes with immense responsibility. Each piece represents something invaluable to our customers, and it’s our job to ensure it reaches its destination safely.
Three pillars of our success:
At Wallenius Wilhelmsen, we have three pillars that set us apart:
1. Purpose-built vessels designed to handle heavy and oversized cargo.
2. Specialized equipment not only roll trailers, bolsters, but also MPBs (multi-purpose bogies), Samson trailers and Blocks & Beams.
3. Decades of expertise developed through close collaboration with stevedores and constant hands-on experience.
Managing the risk: The core of Breakbulk operations
Handling breakbulk cargo safely is 80% preparation and 20% execution. This includes planning for challenges like:
Driveway Simulation: Ensuring a clear path and manageable angles.
Ramp Angles: Timing operations with tide and vessel conditions.
Lashing: Checking and adjusting all lashing points on-site.
Pre-operation meetings with all involved ensure risks are addressed, protecting both cargo and personnel.
Overcoming challenges through innovation and teamwork
Some of the most memorable operations I’ve handled highlight the power of innovation and teamwork. A 35-meter tram shipment posed major challenges, but we designed custom mafi equipment, performed steel calculations, and fabricated a solution - a true team effort.
In another case, we loaded 112-ton cargo without the planned equipment, improvising with roll trailers, bolsters, and multi-axle trailers. These moments show why I love breakbulk: a blend of engineering, teamwork, and adaptability.
How breakbulk is evolving to meet future challenges?
Breakbulk excites me because it’s ever-evolving. Each cargo is a new challenge, and advancements in AI and automation promise to transform the industry - making work safer, faster, and more efficient. While robots handle precision, humans will focus on innovation. My journey is fueled by challenges, driven by innovation, and committed to safety and efficiency.
