Bulk carrier
A bulk carrier is a ship that carries unpacked dry cargo, such as grain, coal, ore, cement, or fertiliser, loose in its holds.
In plain words
Bulk carriers do not use containers. The cargo is poured or dropped into large holds and later taken out with grabs, conveyors, or suction. Ships are grouped by size, from small Handysize ships to very large Capesize ships.
Most bulk carriers do not follow a fixed schedule. A cargo owner charters (hires) a whole ship, or a part of it, for a voyage or a period. The charter contract sets the time allowed for loading and unloading. If the ship stays longer, the charterer pays demurrage to the shipowner.
Example from real shipping
A trader buys 30,000 tonnes of wheat. It charters a Supramax bulk carrier for one voyage to a Turkish port. The contract allows a set number of days for unloading. The port is busy, unloading takes two extra days, and the trader pays two days of demurrage under the charter.
Related terms
- Container shipA container ship is a cargo ship built to carry standard containers, stacked in its holds and on its deck.
- DemurrageDemurrage is a fee the shipping line charges when a full container stays at the port longer than the free time. The fee is charged per day.
- TEUTEU is the standard unit for counting containers. One 20-foot container is 1 TEU, and one 40-foot container is 2 TEU.
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Request a QuoteThis glossary is general information, not legal or customs advice. Rules, fees, and practice can differ by carrier, port, and country.