Working on Capesize Bulk Carriers

Admin
May 26
3 min read

Updated: May 27

Working on Capesize Bulk Carriers – What Makes It Different?

Bulk carriers are the workhorses of global trade, transporting dry cargo like grains, coal, iron ore, and fertilizers. These vessels come in a range of sizes, and each class has its own operational characteristics. One of the most distinct categories is the Capesize vessel — known for its massive size, high cargo volumes, and intense operational tempo.

🚢 Types of Bulk Carriers – Size Overview

Type	DWT Range	Features
Handysize	10,000–35,000 DWT	Small ports, versatile cargoes, older/narrow terminals
Panamax	~60,000–80,000 DWT	Designed to fit the Panama Canal, coal/grain common
Capesize	120,000+ DWT	Too large for canals, long voyages, high-volume trades

Handysize ships often carry high-value or sensitive cargoes. Panamax vessels balance capacity and port flexibility. Capesizes are dedicated to high-demand bulk commodities and operate on fewer but busier routes.

🧭 Understanding Capesize Bulk Carriers

🌍 Common Trading Areas:

Australia → China / South Korea (iron ore)
Brazil → China / Europe (iron ore)
South Africa → India / Southeast Asia (coal)
Canada → Europe / Asia (coal, grain)
U.S. Gulf → Europe / Asia (grain)

These routes include major loading ports like Port Hedland, Tubarão, and Richards Bay, with discharging at key terminals in China, South Korea, and Rotterdam.

🏗 Typical Cargo:

Iron ore
Coal
Grain (less frequently)

Capesizes are too large for the Panama or Suez Canals and typically sail around Cape Horn or the Cape of Good Hope.

⚙️ Cargo Operations

Loading (e.g., Port Hedland): 5,000–6,000+ MT/hr
Discharging (e.g., China): Shore cranes, one per hold, similar rate
Turnaround time: ~24 hours for loading, ~24 hours for discharging

Cargo Cleanliness Requirements:

Iron ore/coal: Minimal preparation
Grain: Requires strict cleanliness, inspections, and hatch readiness

💼 Operational Challenges on Capesize

1. No Time for Shore Leave

Rapid port turnaround often means Chief Officer cannot go ashore
Cargo ops run continuously, leaving little rest for the deck team

2. Heavy Ballast Arrival

Ships often arrive with holds full of ballast, but DBT/TST tanks empty
Why?
- To speed up deballasting
- To meet air draft limits

3. Ballast Pumping System

Typical pump rate: 2,000–3,000 m³/hr per pump
Some ships have manual TST valves on deck
Gravity lines may feed DBT, complicating drainage
Some vessels cannot pump out and strip simultaneously

4. Complex Tank Layouts

Some designs route water through indirect piping, causing delays

✅ What to Expect When Assigned to a Capesize

Be prepared for fast-paced cargo ops
Ballasting must be pre-planned — pump performance and line layout matter
Watch for air draft restrictions
Grain cargoes demand full attention — fumigation, lab tests, hatch prep
Iron ore and coal are easier, with fewer cleaning demands

📝 Additional Notes for Working on Capesize Bulk Carriers

Capesize vessels stand out due to short port stays and intensive ballast handling
Cargoes are often simpler, but voyages can be long
Heavy ballast is common, not only for draft reasons but also to speed up operations
Unlike smaller bulkers, Capesizes rarely have 5-port loading/discharging — though anything is possible based on charter!