Breakbulk & Project Cargo Specialists since 1973
Scheduled sailings, project cargo expertise and local port knowledge, connecting Europe, North America, the Caribbean, South America and Africa.
- 14Vessels in Service
- 200+Port Calls per Month
- 50+Years of Trusted Shipping
- 6UAL Offices Worldwide
Swipe to explore the map · tap a port for its agent page
Complete logistics for breakbulk and project cargo
Universal Africa Lines (UAL) has shipped breakbulk, project cargo and containers between Europe, North America, the Caribbean, South America and Africa since 1973.
We are the trusted partner of the Oil & Gas industry. Our focus is the complete logistic management of breakbulk and project cargo, and the removal of hazardous waste. UAL Alliance agents arrange documentation, customs clearance, and ship and port management at both ends of every voyage.
- 1973Year UAL started shipping
- 14Vessels in service
- 200+Port calls per month
- 6UAL offices worldwide
Shipping services from port to port
We deliver containers, breakbulk and complex project cargo on time and to the point, and arrange documentation, customs clearance and ship and port management through our network of UAL agents.
Breakbulk & project cargo
Specialised handling of heavy lift, oversized and complex project cargo, with expert planning.
Container services
Regular containerised cargo services with scheduled sailings to major ports.
Storage solutions
Storage facilities and warehouses arranged by us, including dedicated Oil & Gas terminals.
Fast cargo handling
Reliable, fast cargo handling by highly specialised and experienced professionals.
Service safety
UAL works mainly in the specialised Oil & Gas industry and follows its specific safety procedures.
Agent services
Representatives keep communication clear and direct, including when the cargo has arrived.
Cargo we load, lift and deliver
From machinery and piping to cable reels and heavy lifts, our vessels and crews handle cargo that does not fit in a container.
UAL Bodewes vessel 
Heavy lifting 
Machinery 
Piping 
Reel cargo 
Crane lifting
One network across the Atlantic
UAL offices and agents in Europe, North America, the Caribbean, South America and West Africa handle your cargo from booking to delivery. Open the map above to find the agent for your port.
Industries we serve
Specialised shipping solutions for industries across Europe, North America, the Caribbean, South America and Africa.
Oil & Gas
Refined products and offshore industry equipment.
Energy & Power
Power generation equipment and energy infrastructure.
Mining & Resources
Heavy mining equipment and mineral transport solutions.
Manufacturing
Industrial equipment, machinery and manufactured goods.
Construction
Heavy machinery and building materials.
Hazardous cargo
Carriage and management of hazardous cargo.
Invested in ecological sustainability
Eco-Trader vessels
We were one of the first companies to commission and build five of our own Eco-Trader vessels. Reduced draft gives efficient fuel consumption, and the innovative axe bow makes them easy to recognise.
Ecoaguas Plant
We invest in preserving basic resources such as drinking water, through our award-winning Ecoaguas Plant.
K5 Waste Management
UAL holds internationally recognised licences to ship and manage hazardous waste from Africa to Europe, for recycling in certified plants under the Basel treaty. Customers receive certificates documenting the recycling of their waste. Visit K5 Freeport & Oil Centre
Questions about shipping with UAL
What is breakbulk cargo?
Breakbulk cargo is cargo that is not shipped in a container. It is loaded piece by piece onto the vessel. Typical examples are machinery, steel piping, cable reels and heavy-lift or oversized project cargo. UAL specialises in breakbulk and project cargo for the Oil & Gas industry.
Which regions does UAL ship between?
UAL ships between Europe, North America, the Caribbean, South America and Africa, and vice versa. Local UAL agents handle documentation, customs clearance, and ship and port management at the destination.
How long has UAL been shipping?
Universal Africa Lines has been shipping since 1973.
Can UAL ship hazardous waste?
Yes. UAL holds internationally recognised licences to ship and manage hazardous waste from Africa to Europe for recycling in certified plants, in full compliance with the Basel treaty. Customers receive certificates documenting the recycling of their waste through K5 Waste Management.
Where can I find UAL sailing schedules?
Current sailings are published on the UAL shipping schedule page at schedule.universalafricalines.com. Open the shipping schedule.
How do I request a shipping quote?
Call +31 10 202 0111 or use the contact page. Tell us the cargo, its dimensions and weight, and the load and discharge ports, and we will route your enquiry to the right UAL office or agent. Contact UAL.
Plan your next shipment with UAL
Tell us what you need to move and where. Our team will advise on routing, handling and the right UAL agent for your port.