Bulk carriers is defined as seagoing self-propelled ships which are generally constructed with single deck, double bottom, hopper side tanks an topside tanks and with single or double side skin construction in the cargo length area, and intended primarily to carry dry cargoes in bulk.
Definition of bulk carrier as per SOLAS :
As per SOLAS Chapter XII, “Additional Safety Measures for Bulk Carriers,” defines a bulk carrier as “a ship which is intended primarily to carry dr cargo in bulk, including such types as ore carriers and combination carriers” and makes reference to a number of resolutions.
Points to pounder for bulk carrier:
Bulk carriers of all types have certain features in common:
- Single cargo deck, without ’tween decks.
- Machinery aft of cargo spaces so shaft tunnel does not interfere with discharging gear.
- Large ballast capacity.
- Double bottoms under bulk cargo holds.
Types of bulk carrier are:
‘Handysize’ the smallest bulk carriers of between 10 000 and 30 000 tonnes deadweight.
‘Handymax’ bulk carriers of between 35 000 and 50 000 tonnes deadweight.
‘Panamax’ bulk carriers designed to be of the maximum size that may transit the Panama Canal and generally being just under 80 000 tonnes deadweight.
‘Capesize’ bulk carriers of 80 000 to 150 000 tonnes deadweight which are too large for the Panama Canal and trade from the Atlantic around the Cape of Good Hope.
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