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Supramax Bulk Carrier Specifications

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These are general averages and can vary depending on the specific design of a Supramax bulk carrier.

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1. Deadweight Tonnage (DWT):

This refers to the maximum weight a ship can safely carry, including the crew, passengers, cargo, fuel, water, and stores. For Supramax bulk carriers, this typically ranges between 50,000 and 65,000 metric tons DWT.

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2. Length Overall (LOA):

This is the maximum length of the vessel. For Supramax bulk carriers, it’s length is usually around 190-200 meters .

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3. Breadth (Width)

Typically, the breadth of a Supramax vessel is around 32.3 meters wide.

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4. Draft:

The draft of these carriers will typically range from around 12 to 13.5 meters draft when fully loaded. The draft will change depending on the weight and distribution of its cargo.

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5. Cargo Capacity:

Cargo capacity can vary, but typically these vessels can carry between 70,000 to 80,000 cubic meters of bulk cargo.

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6. Number of Holds/Hatches:

Supramax bulk carriers usually have 5 cargo holds with corresponding hatches for loading and unloading cargo.

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7. Engine Power:

This can vary significantly depending on the exact design of the ship, but the main engine of a Supramax bulk carrier typically might generate around 10,000 to 12,000 horsepower.

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8. Speed:

On average, Supramax bulk carriers can travel at speeds around 12-15 knots.

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What is a Supramax Bulk Carrier?

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Supramax bulk carriers are a class of medium-sized bulk carriers, usually ranging from 190 to 200 meters in length with a deadweight tonnage (DWT) between 50,000 and 65,000 metric tons. The term "Supramax" indicates their size, which is slightly larger than Handysize and Handymax vessels but smaller than Panamax ships.

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Due to their intermediate size and versatile design, Supramax carriers are an important part of the global fleet. They can access many ports that larger vessels cannot, and they are equipped with onboard cranes, which allow them to load and unload cargo in ports lacking necessary infrastructure.

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Supramax carriers are commonly used on routes where their capacity is ideal, avoiding the limitations faced by both smaller and larger vessels. They transport a wide range of cargoes, including minor bulks such as agricultural products, fertilizers, and forest products, as well as major bulks like iron ore, coal, and grain.

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Their balance of size, cargo capacity, and flexibility makes Supramax bulk carriers a crucial component of the global shipping fleet, significantly contributing to international maritime trade.

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Supramax Bulk Carrier Employment

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Supramax bulk carriers are frequently employed on trade routes that require their distinctive features: intermediate size, flexibility, and the capability to self-load and unload using onboard cranes. These characteristics make Supramax vessels suitable for ports with size limitations or minimal infrastructure.

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Here’s a closer look at the employment and types of cargo handled by Supramax bulk carriers:

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Employment:

‍Supramax bulk carriers generally participate in "tramp trade," meaning they do not operate on fixed routes or schedules. They transport cargo wherever it needs to go, which can vary from voyage to voyage. Due to their size and flexibility, these vessels can access many ports that larger vessels cannot reach. This makes them perfect for routes with varying port conditions or where cargo volumes do not justify the use of larger vessels.

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Supramax Bulk Carrier Cargo

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Supramax bulk carriers are versatile vessels capable of transporting a wide array of cargoes. Here’s a closer look at the types of cargo they handle:

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1. Agricultural Products:

These can include crops like soybeans, wheat, corn, barley, and other grains.

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2. Steel:

Supramax vessels frequently transport steel products, including coiled or straight steel, steel plates, and structural steel.

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3. Forest Products:

These can include logs, lumber, wood chips, pulp, and similar materials.

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4. Fertilizers:

Various types of fertilizers are commonly shipped via Supramax carriers, such as potash, urea, and ammonium nitrate.

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5. Ores and Minerals:

While larger volumes of iron ore and coal are generally carried by larger Capesize and Panamax vessels, Supramax carriers can also transport these cargoes, as well as other ores and minerals like bauxite, alumina, and phosphates, especially when shipped from smaller ports.

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6. General or Break-Bulk Cargo:

This category includes non-containerized goods, products packed in bags, boxes, or drums, and items that must be loaded individually, not in intermodal containers nor in bulk like oil or grain.

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The Versatility and Economic Impact of Supramax Bulk Carriers

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Supramax carriers' primary advantage lies in their versatility. Their intermediate size and onboard loading/unloading equipment make them suitable for a wide array of tasks. While larger vessels might offer more efficiency for single, large-volume cargoes, Supramax vessels can transport a diverse range of cargoes, enabling them to adapt to changing market conditions and varied cargo types.

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Despite being smaller than Panamax and Capesize vessels, Supramax carriers make up a significant portion of the global bulk carrier fleet. They are more cost-effective to build and operate than larger ships, making them a popular choice for many shipping companies, especially those operating in regional or specialized markets.

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In summary, Supramax bulk carriers are a crucial component of the global maritime fleet. Their versatility and economic impact enhance international trade, supporting both developed and emerging economies by providing flexible and efficient transportation solutions.

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