Ship Type Dictionary Entry
Bulk Carrier
"A merchant ship specially designed to transport unpackaged bulk cargo, such as grains, coal, ore, steel coils, and cement, in its cargo holds."
Definition
A Bulk Carrier (or bulker) is a vessel designed to carry loose cargo in bulk. They are identifiable by the large box-like hatches on their deck, designed to slide open for loading by shore-based conveyor belts or cranes.
Categories by Size
- Handysize: 15,000 – 35,000 DWT
- Handymax/Supramax: 35,000 – 60,000 DWT
- Panamax: 60,000 – 80,000 DWT (Max beam for old Panama Canal)
- Capesize: > 150,000 DWT (Too large for Panama/Suez, must go around Cape Horn/Good Hope)
Key Features
They are the workhorses of the maritime industry, transporting raw materials that fuel global economies. They typically have large ballast capacities to maintain stability when sailing empty.
Related Terms
Deadweight Tonnage (DWT)DraftCargo Operations