Bulk Carrier Vessels: Technicalities, Uses, and Advantages
Bulk carriers are ships that transport loose cargo like iron ores, coal, or even grain. Most of this is raw material that is used to manufacture everyday products.
Bulk carriers have made it convenient to transport raw materials worldwide. It is no surprise that bulk carriers make up 21% of the merchant fleet across the globe.
Types and Technical Details
Bulk carrier vessels have a distinctive structure with a flat deck, which is followed by an accommodation chamber. There are hallways on the top that lead to the cargo storage areas beneath the deck.
Dimensions and Capacity
They are divided into some types based on their sizes. These types are as follows:
| Vessel Type | Lenght | Draft | Carrying Capacity (DWT) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mini Bulk Carriers | - | - | Up to 10000 |
| Small Bulk Carriers | - | - | 10000 - 25000 |
| Hanysize Carriers | 130-150 meters | 10 meters | 25000 - 40000 |
| Handymax Carriers | 150-200 meters | 11-12 meters | 35000 - 50000 |
| Panamax Carriers | 200-230 meters | 13-15 meters | 60000 - 100000 |
| Capesize Bulk Carriers | 230-270 meters | 17 meters | 80000 - 200000 |
| Very Large Bulk Carriers(VLBC) | Longer than 270 meters | Around 20 meters | More than 20000 |
Capesize and VLBC are generally gearless. They don't have any derricks or cranes and rely on ports for loading and unloading.
Engine Power and Performance:
The average speed for most bulk carriers is 12-15 knots(22-28 km per hour).
The fuel consumption depends on several factors like how old is the ship, what’s the type of engine and what is the average speed. Larger bulk carriers consume about 25 to 35 metric tons per day at 12-15 average speeds.
Uses of Bulk Carrier Vessels
The common uses of various types of bulk carrier vessels are as follows:
Industrial Use
- Handymax containers ship ore, grains, fertilizers, and other raw materials especially to the ports that do not have a very sophisticated infrastructure.
- Bulk carriers transport raw materials worldwide that are used in almost all types of industries.
Commercial Use
- Most of the mini and small bulk carriers are often used in coastal trade, where they act as feeders to bigger ships in the sea.
- Large capsize and VLBC ships are used to transport massive quantities of trade goods across the world.
Advantages of Bulk Carrier Vessels
Cost Effectiveness: These ships carry large amounts of non-packaged raw cargo, which significantly reduces the cost associated with shipment. Bulk carrier vessels are more cost-effective than railway transport.
Carbon Emission: Bulk carrier vessels are also easier on the environment. Their carbon emission is also less than that of railways.
Supporting Industry and Commerce: Industrial manufacturing throughout the world depends on the availability of raw materials. Bulk carriers ship these raw materials around the globe.
FAQs
Q: What is a bulk carrier vessel?
A: A bulk carrier vessel is a merchant ship that carries loose, unpackaged cargo like oil, ore, grain, etc.
Q: What are the different bulk cargo types?
A: Bulk cargo can either be dry bulk cargo like grain, liquid bulk cargo like oil, or break bulk cargo like electronics.
Q: What are the most significant types of bulk carriers?
A: The largest types of bulk carriers are huge bulk carriers(VLBC). They have carrying capacities of over 200000 DWT.