Bulk Carriers
Guide to bulk carrier vessels -- types, sizes, capacities, and how to choose the right bulk carrier for your cargo.
Capesize
Capesize bulk carriers explained. DWT band, dimensions, ports, lanes, sub-classes and chartering considerations for the largest mainstream dry bulk class.
ExploreDraught / Draft
Understanding vessel draught: what it means, how it is measured and read, how it differs from air draught and freeboard, and why it is the binding port constraint across every bulk carrier class.
Deadweight Tonnage
Understanding deadweight tonnage (DWT): what it measures, how it's calculated, and why it matters for cargo shipping.
Handymax
Operator briefing on Handymax bulk carriers. DWT band, dimensions, gear configuration, and how the 40,000 to 50,000 t geared class is being progressively replaced by Supramax and Ultramax tonnage.
Handysize
Operator briefing on Handysize bulk carriers. The smallest ocean-going geared bulk class, 28,000 to 40,000 t, with port flexibility that no larger vessel matches and a defining role in feeder, intra-regional, and break-bulk trades.
Hatch Cover
Understanding hatch covers: types, weathertight requirements, inspection, and their importance in bulk carrier operations.
Load Line / Plimsoll Mark
Load lines explained: the Plimsoll mark, freeboard, the seasonal and zonal marks (S, W, T, F, TF, WNA), and how the maximum legal draught varies by load line zone.
Mini-Bulker
Mini-bulkers and coasters explained. The smallest dry bulk class at roughly 1,000 to 15,000 DWT, shallow draught and self-geared, serving coastal and short-sea trades, rivers and small parcel cargoes.
Panamax
Panamax bulk carriers explained. DWT band, Panama Canal old-lock beam limit, dimensions, ports, lanes, sub-classes and chartering considerations.
Vessel Size Comparison
Side-by-side comparison of bulk carrier sizes -- Handysize to Capesize, dimensions, capacity, and typical trades.
Vessel Specifications Guide
Technical specifications guide for bulk carriers -- dimensions, cargo holds, hatch sizes, and key measurements explained.
Supramax
Operator briefing on Supramax bulk carriers. DWT band, dimensions, gear configuration, port flexibility, and the trade lanes where the geared 50,000 to 60,000 t class is the dominant tonnage.
Gross & Net Tonnage
Understanding gross tonnage (GT) and net tonnage (NT): the volumetric ship measures under ITC 1969, how they differ from deadweight and displacement, and why they drive dues, manning and canal tolls.
LOA / Beam / Depth
Understanding vessel dimensions: Length Overall (LOA), beam, depth, and how they affect port access and cargo capacity.
VLOC (Very Large Ore Carrier)
VLOC very large ore carriers explained. DWT band, dimensions, holds and hatches, gearless layout, dedicated ore terminals and the Brazil to China iron ore lane the Valemax class was built for.