Supramax

A Supramax is a mid-sized bulk carrier within the dry bulk fleet, defined by a deadweight tonnage typically between 50,000 and 60,000 DWT, placing it above Handymax and below Ultramax in common usage.

Most Supramax ships are single-deck bulk carriers with multiple cargo hatches and are commonly equipped with deck cranes (usually two or more). This crane capability makes them versatile for ports with limited stevedoring. They typically have service speeds around 12 to 14 knots.

They carry dry bulk commodities such as coal, iron ore, grains, fertilizers, and limestone, and operate globally along major bulk trades. Their size and crane-equipped design enable operation on routes that require flexibility and access to a wide range of ports, including tropical and developing regions.

The Supramax category became widely used in the 1990s as shipowners sought mid-sized ships balancing cargo capacity with port flexibility. In contemporary fleets, Ultramax covers a similar range but with higher capacity, while Supramax remains a common and durable class for mid-sized bulk trades.