Bulk carrier

A bulk carrier is intended primarily to carry dry cargo loose in its holds rather than in containers or individual packages. Grain, coal, and mineral ores are familiar examples. The hold openings and cargo-handling arrangements are designed around loading and discharging large quantities of a single bulk commodity.

Some bulk carriers have onboard cranes, while others depend on shore equipment. This distinction matters when choosing ports and planning a voyage. A bulk carrier differs from a general cargo ship, which is intended for more varied cargo handled as individual units.

Ore carriers are a specialized form of bulk carrier. Some regulatory definitions also include combination carriers, while commercial usage often distinguishes their liquid-cargo capability. Further reading: IMO ship-type descriptions.