bulkfartyg

Bulkfartyg, or bulk carrier, is a merchant vessel designed to transport unpackaged bulk cargo in large quantities. These ships move dry bulk commodities such as iron ore, coal, grains, bauxite, and phosphate without packaging. They are optimized to maximize cargo space and minimize loading and unloading times.

Design features include a robust steel hull with several holds accessed by large hatch covers, a wide beam, and a relatively shallow draft to allow extensive cargo intake. The holds are usually isolated to control stability and may include drying equipment and ventilation. Many bulk carriers have ballast tanks to maintain stability when not carrying a full load. Some vessels are equipped with deck cranes or other self-loading and self-unloading gear, especially on smaller sizes, while larger ships often rely on shore-based facilities for loading and discharging.

Sizes and classifications vary, with terms such as Handysize (roughly 10,000–40,000 DWT), Supramax/Ultramax (roughly 40,000–64,000 DWT), Panamax (around 60,000–80,000 DWT), and Capesize (over 150,000 DWT). The size designation often reflects whether the ship can pass through certain canal or harbor chokepoints given current dimensions.

Operation typically involves loading at dedicated bulk terminals with conveyors or grabs, and discharging at receiving facilities via gravity through hatch openings or, for some ships, onboard unloading gear. Typical operating speeds are in the range of 12–15 knots, and crews number around 20–30.

Regulation and safety: bulk carriers are governed by SOLAS and MARPOL conventions, with ballast water management requirements and cargo-specific safety practices to address hazards such as dust, spontaneous combustion risk, and the potential liquefaction of certain cargoes. Environmental considerations include fuel efficiency and emissions, as well as proper handling of ballast water and hull maintenance.