Definition: Bulk Carriers

Category: PRODCOM

Normally refers to "dry bulk" cargoes as opposed to tankers that carry "wet bulk" cargoes. The major bulk cargoes, including coal, grain and iron ore, generally move in large quantities up to around 170,000 tonnes. Minor bulk cargoes, including for example animal feed or bulk sugar, are typically transported in ships carrying up to around 50,000 tonnes.

Tankers, bulk carriers and container ships make up by far the largest portion of the fleet and a significant proportion of the output from the shipbuilding industry. http://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/ramon/coded_files/CGT_first_marine_int_ltd.pdf