capesize

Capesize is a classification for the largest dry bulk carrier ships. These vessels are typically defined by a deadweight tonnage (DWT) above about 150,000 tons, with many ships in the range of 150,000 to 400,000 DWT. The term originates from the Cape of Good Hope, reflecting the historical necessity of routing these ships around the Cape when transiting between Atlantic and Pacific regions. When fully loaded, Capesize ships are usually unable to pass through the Suez Canal, which is why they commonly sail the long way around Africa for long-haul trades.

Capesize ships are designed to carry bulk commodities such as iron ore, coal, and grains. The largest trades involve transporting iron ore from producers in Australia and Brazil to steel-making regions in Asia, Europe, and beyond. The enormous cargo capacity of Capesize vessels makes them a key component of global bulk trade, with fleet sizes and ship designs continually evolving to improve efficiency, fuel economy, and ballast handling.

Operationally, Capesize ships run on long-haul routes between mining regions and consumption centers, often crossing oceans and requiring careful management of ballast, port calls, and canal passage constraints. Their deployment is closely linked to commodity demand, market freight rates, and port infrastructure, including the capacity to handle very large cargo ships and their loading and unloading requirements. The Capesize fleet remains a core segment of the dry bulk market, balancing structural design with the dynamics of global trade.