Breakbulk Shipping of 500 Tons of Rebars and Wire Rod Coils from China to Iran

Real Project Execution | July 2025 | Port-to-Port Delivery to Bandar Abbas

In July 2025, we completed a breakbulk shipment of approximately 500 metric tons of hot-rolled rebars and wire rod coils from an East China port to Bandar Abbas, Iran. This project, though mid-sized in scale, required meticulous coordination across cargo handling, lifting, vessel stowage, and destination planning.

Our team provided full support throughout the process—from port yard preparation to vessel loading and documentation—ensuring a smooth and on-time shipment for a long-term client based in Tehran.

Cargo Overview

• Cargo Type:
  • Straight rebars (round bars, bundled)
  • Wire rod coils (6.5mm–12mm, coiled)

• Quantity: Approx. 500 metric tons

• Packaging:
  • Rebars bundled with steel straps and tags
  • Coils secured with wire ropes, placed in grouped stacks

• Loading Port: East China

• Destination Port: Bandar Abbas, Iran

• Shipping Method: Breakbulk vessel (non-containerized cargo hold)

Execution Flow

1. Cargo Yard Preparation

Upon arrival at the port terminal, the rebars and coils were offloaded into the open yard. Our port team arranged the materials by:

• Diameter and length

• Surface coating (rust-protected vs. bare)

• Product type (coils vs. straight bar)

Each bundle was tagged and photographed for traceability. Rebars were stacked in batches on wooden dunnage to prevent ground moisture exposure. Coils were separated and positioned near the crane path for easier access during lifting.

2. Day + Night Loading Shifts

Due to the vessel’s fixed berthing window, we utilized both day and night shifts to ensure efficient loading:

• Cranes lifted bundles of rebars using slings with steel spreader bars

• Wire rod coils were lifted using hooks and nylon webbing

• Flatbed trailers moved cargo between yard and vessel-side

Our supervisors remained on-site during both shifts to monitor lifting angle, crane tension, and load placement order.

3. Vessel Hold Stowage

Inside the cargo hold:

• Rebars were stacked horizontally, with wooden chocks and rubber matting to prevent shifting

• Coils were stowed toward the sides and tightly secured with cross-lashing

• Each layer was reinforced with dunnage and coil blockers

Proper weight distribution and compact loading were key to minimizing movement during sea voyage.

About the Destination – Bandar Abbas Port, Iran

Bandar Abbas is Iran’s largest commercial port and a major hub for breakbulk shipments. It offers:

• Direct rail/truck links to Tehran, Shiraz, Isfahan

• Flexible breakbulk cargo handling

• Lower port charges compared to Northern Iranian ports

This makes it an ideal destination for bulk steel imports.

Why Ship via Breakbulk for 500 Tons?

Many first-time clients ask: “Should I use containers or breakbulk for this volume?”

While 500 tons may seem borderline, in this case, breakbulk was clearly better due to:

• Irregular product dimensions (lengths exceeding 11 meters)

• Container slot shortages during peak season

• Lower cost per ton compared to containerized LCL or FCL split

For large or irregular steel, breakbulk ensures more efficient handling and reduces damage risk.

Iran’s Growing Demand for Steel

Despite sanctions and geopolitical challenges, Iran remains one of the most active construction markets in the region.

Key demand drivers:

• Urban development (housing, road networks)

• Energy infrastructure (refineries, pipelines)

• Water and irrigation systems

• Steel demand from small- and medium-sized fabricators

Importers often source rebars, coils, and billets from China due to:

• Competitive pricing

• Consistent quality

• Flexible shipping options (FOB, CIF, DDP)

Pre-Shipment Coordination

Before this project began, our team helped the client with:

• Vessel booking & space reservation

• Packing list + commercial invoice preparation

• Drafting the Bill of Lading (BL) according to Iranian customs rules

• Advising on product labeling and markings (to meet IR customs standards)

Proper communication with the client and their local agents in Bandar Abbas helped avoid any unloading or clearance delays.

Explore more shipping guides:

How to Clear Customs When Importing from China (2025 Guide)

Break Bulk Shipping from China to Saudi Arabia

Project Logistics

How to Ship Excavators and Bulldozers from China(ro-ro or break bulk?)

Arrival & Unloading in Iran

Once the cargo arrived:

• Local stevedores unloaded the rebars using hook-equipped cranes

• Coils were forklifted onto trailers for direct delivery

• Our agent arranged customs clearance within 3 working days

The importer reported zero damage on arrival, and the products were immediately delivered to a steel fabrication site near Tehran.

Common Client Concerns – Resolved

Final Takeaways

This project reflects our ability to handle mid-sized steel cargoes for export to the Middle East. By choosing breakbulk for a 500-ton mixed load, our client benefited from:

• Cost efficiency

• Flexibility

• Simplified unloading

• Faster overall delivery time

Need Help Shipping Rebars or Coils to the Middle East?

Whether you’re shipping 200 tons or 2,000 tons, we offer:

• Breakbulk vessel service for rebars, coils, billets, and plates

• Full logistics support from Chinese ports to Iran, Iraq, UAE, and more

• Real-time photo updates and on-site supervision

• Accurate documentation and destination clearance support

Contact our logistics team today to request a free quote or discuss your steel shipping needs.