What are Bulk Carrier Ships?
Bulk carriers are a type of ship which transports cargoes in bulk quantities. The cargo transported in such ships is loose cargo i.e. without any specific packaging to it and generally contains items like food grains, ores and coals and even cement. Since their inception towards the mid-19th century, bulk vessels have been revolutionised and streamlined in order to facilitate greater ease for their owners and operators, presently.
In addition to carrying dry cargo like the ones specified above, a bulker is also engaged at times to carry liquefied cargoes. The liquefied cargo carried by the bulk ship includes oil, petrol and various other liquid chemical substances.
IMO Recognition and Vessel Requirements
Although bulk carriers have been employed since the 1850s, their appropriate definition and interpretation can be found in the SOLAS Convention – year 1999. However, over the years various other interpretations have also been added to the official definition, which are now being employed quite effectively.
In terms of capacitances, bulk vessels can carry a maximum cargo of about 4, 00,000 DWT. The vessels are further sub-divided into six major classes based on their cargo carrying capacitance and the important marine channels through which they can easily pass. The various classes of bulk cargo vessels in the descending order of cargo capacitance can be elaborated as under:
–Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Very Large Carriers
–Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Capesize & handymax
–Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Panamax
–Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Handysize
–Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Small sized
Apart from these major classifications, there are several other classifications applicable to certain specific navigation channels. These vessel classifications however do not form a part of the international shipping domain but are restricted to certain geographical shipping arenas.
In order to bring about a better quality to the cargo ship, it has been proposed that these vessels be built according to Common Structural Rules or CSR. Vessels that are built according to the CSR specifications are annotated with the CSR notation, which helps to boost the vessel’s credibility in the global sector.
Similarly the vessels are also required to undertake the ESP (Enhanced Survey Program) as a part of the SOLAS Convention rules. The ESP mainly involves a thorough monitoring and checking of the hulls of these types of ships.
Statistically, the bulk cargo carriers have a stake of about 40% in the international shipping sector. Of these 40%, the market leaders in terms of ownerships and operations are the South Asian countries like China, Japan and South Korea. In addition to these nations, Greece is yet another leading owner and operator of bulk carriers.
Looking at these figures, it can be inferred that the bulk ship still enjoys a vital position in the overall scheme of operations in the maritime sector. Also with a greater reduction in the threat to safety and health of the crewmen and the longevity of the vessel as well, it can be prognosticated that these vessels will still continue to remain a part of the maritime industry for years to come.
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Marine Insight News Network is a premier source for up-to-date, comprehensive, and insightful coverage of the maritime industry. Dedicated to offering the latest news, trends, and analyses in shipping, marine technology, regulations, and global maritime affairs, Marine Insight News Network prides itself on delivering accurate, engaging, and relevant information.
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