SOLAS (The International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea) describes a bulk carrier as “a ship constructed with a single deck, top side tanks and hopper side tanks in cargo spaces and intended to primarily carry dry cargo in bulk; an ore carrier; or a combination carrier." ARE YOU LOOKING FOR JOBS ON BULK CARRIERS?

Bulk carriers have large cargo holds, and a simplified structure that allows for the easy loading and unloading bulk materials. The following are key features: Holds: Bulk carrier cargo is protected by weather-tight hatches. The size and number of holds are determined by the design of the vessel and its intended cargo.

Bulk carriers were originally converted cargo ships. However, as trade grew, new designs evolved to optimize bulk goods handling and transportation. Bulk carriers have evolved due to advances in shipbuilding technologies, changes in global trading patterns, and a need for more efficiency.

Most bulk carrier vessels usually transport just one type of unpackaged bulk cargo at a time - for example, the aforementioned coal, grain, sand, or cement. However they vary greatly in terms of size and capacity, in function, and even in the way they load and unload their cargo. Read more: Everything You Need to Know About Cable Laying Ships