A bulk carrier (or bulker) is a cargo ship built to carry unpackaged dry bulk commodities — coal, iron ore, grain, bauxite, cement — loaded loose into large cargo holds rather than in containers or packaging.
Size Classifications
| Type | DWT Range |
|---|---|
| Handysize | 15,000–35,000 |
| Handymax/Supramax | 40,000–65,000 |
| Panamax | 65,000–90,000 |
| Capesize | 100,000–200,000+ |
Key Features
- Large, box-shaped cargo holds with hatch covers designed for efficient loading and discharge
- Cargo handling gear varies by size class — many smaller bulkers carry their own cranes/grabs, while larger Capesize vessels typically rely on shore-based port equipment
- Ballast tanks positioned to manage stability given the loose, shifting nature of bulk cargo
Operational Considerations
Bulk cargo carries specific hazards not present with packaged cargo — liquefaction risk with certain ore/mineral cargoes, dust hazards, and the need for careful trimming to prevent cargo shift at sea.
Exam Relevance
Bulk carrier cargo operations, stability considerations, and specific hazards (liquefaction, hatch cover integrity) are core Cargo Work topics in deck officer competency exams.