Erhardt Projects at Breakbulk Americas 2025: Innovation, Tariffs, and the Future of the Sector in Its 35th Anniversary.
The 2025 edition of Breakbulk Americas, held in Houston and marked by its 35th anniversary, once again proved to be the leading forum for understanding the evolution of project cargo and anticipating where the industry is heading.
Erhardt Projects, the Project Cargo division of Erhardt Logistics, took part as an exhibitor alongside its U.S. team, coming from The Woodlands (Texas), the company’s American headquarters — allowing them, once again, to “play at home.”
The delegation was led by Patricio Erhardt, CEO of Erhardt Logistics, joined by Alberto Uriarte, Board Member of Erhardt; Igor Muñiz, CEO of Erhardt Projects; Alberto Rodríguez Sigüenza, Managing Director in the U.S.; Josh Csorba and Michael Minello, Project Managers in the U.S.; and Blanca Alarcia, International Corporate Manager of Erhardt Projects, along with colleagues from the U.S. office.
The Erhardt Projects booth was a lively meeting point where friends, clients, suppliers, and partners stopped by to greet the team, exchange experiences, and discuss new projects. A true reflection of the vibrant atmosphere of this fair, a benchmark for Project Cargo in the region.
During the event, Erhardt showcased its integrated logistics solutions for heavy and complex cargo across sectors such as Energy, Industrial & Modular, Infrastructure, Port Installations, Offshore, and Engineering, along with its specialized chartering services for project cargo.
Tariffs in the Spotlight: Logistics Strategies
One of the hottest topics this year was the impact of tariffs on supply chains. A panel of trade and logistics experts addressed the audience’s most pressing questions, focusing on strategies to navigate an increasingly uncertain environment.
The recurring message: flexibility is essential. As one panelist noted, “In the past, it was enough to analyze one country and calculate the tariff at that moment. Today, companies must consider multiple sourcing options and use tariff engineering.” Customs classification has become critical, often determining whether an item faces a 50% surcharge or qualifies for exemption.
Panelists also emphasized contractual aspects such as the timing of transfer of ownership — crucial for determining responsibility in case of port delays.
Storage was another key issue. The growing use of bonded warehouses and Foreign Trade Zones (FTZs) is offering alternatives to manage volatility. The difference is crucial: in a bonded warehouse, duties are paid when cargo arrives; in an FTZ, the tariff is fixed at admission. Operators must therefore “bet” on the trend: if tariffs are likely to rise, an FTZ is advantageous; if they are expected to fall, a bonded warehouse may be the better choice.
Technical issues were also covered, such as the application of tariffs to shipper-owned containers and the continuity of cargo preference rules in FTZs, with a reminder that for certain U.S.-bound programs, half of the cargo must be transported on U.S.-flagged vessels.
Regarding USMCA, experts highlighted clear benefits but also strict compliance requirements. “U.S. Customs is fully focused on enforcement”.
Traceability and transparency in the supply chain are essential, and suppliers can be either your “greatest allies or your biggest risk,” they warned.
The session also revealed how tariffs are reshaping logistics routes. As cargo is diverted to smaller, less experienced ports, risks increase and preparation becomes even more critical.
Looking ahead, experts agreed: diversification and flexibility will be essential. Mapping vulnerabilities, finding new supply sources, reevaluating partnerships, and planning for disruptions will be mandatory if tariffs become a permanent policy tool.
Finally, the panel reminded that both large and small operators must follow the same classification procedures. Tools such as reasonable care memoranda, customs rulings, and prior disclosure can help correct mistakes and minimize legal and financial risks.
The takeaway from this year’s Breakbulk Americas was clear: tariffs have added complexity to global logistics, but they also open opportunities to innovate in risk management, strengthen planning, and reshape supply chains with a more strategic outlook.
Technology in the Day-to-Day of Project Cargo
Breakbulk Americas also amplified the message of digital transformation. Experts shared concrete examples of how AI, IoT, and automation are no longer future concepts but present-day tools helping to streamline oversize cargo permitting, improve port coordination, and increase operational visibility.
The dedicated AI workshop highlighted practical applications in transport engineering, vessel operations, and supply chain tracking. The core message was clear: AI does not replace the human factor — it enhances it. It brings efficiency, predictive power, and better risk control.
Aging Fleets and Regulatory Pressures: Thriving Amid the Storm
Another intense debate focused on the current state of breakbulk and project cargo carriers. With aging fleets, stricter emissions regulations, crew shortages, and geopolitical tensions, operators acknowledged that today’s environment demands faster, riskier, and more strategic decisions than ever before. The consensus: adaptability will be the decisive factor in not only surviving but thriving in the storm.
Honoring the Pioneers: 35 Years of Breakbulk Americas
The event also paid tribute to industry pioneers, who shared memories from the early editions of the fair, when fax machines and clipboards were their main tools. Their stories, filled with anecdotes and timeless advice, contrasted sharply with today’s landscape of AI, automation, and ESG demands.
Once again, Breakbulk Americas confirmed why it is the essential meeting point for the Project Cargo industry. This year’s edition not only celebrated its roots on its 35th anniversary but also projected a strategic vision of the challenges and opportunities that will shape the future of project logistics.
This isn’t our first rodeo…
After three intense days at the fair, we decided to close out our participation with a Houston-style plan: a small party with clients, team members, and friends at The Rustic, right downtown. Amidst guitars, cowboy boots, and that pervasive cowboy vibe, we toasted the projects we’d shared and those yet to come.
Because, as they say in Texas, this isn’t our first rodeo, and it won’t be the last. See you at the next edition!
