Handymax Bulk Carrier: Size, Cargoes and Chartering
Handymax ships are the middle-size geared bulk carriers between Handysize and Supramax. Many of them work in regional trades and in ports with limited equipment.
What a Handymax is
A Handymax is a geared bulk carrier of about 35,000 to 50,000 DWT, with five holds and usually four cranes. The class grew out of the Handysize and was the standard mid-size ship before the larger Supramax appeared. The names Handymax and Supramax are sometimes mixed, so ask the ship operator for the exact DWT.
Why charterers choose it
A Handymax fits cargoes of 25,000 to 40,000 tonnes and calls at ports where a larger ship would not fit. Its own cranes allow loading and discharging in ports with little or no shore equipment. Many ships of this size are older, so the rates can be favourable, but age, class and condition should be checked.
Typical cargoes and regions
Grain, fertilizers, cement, steel, forest products, salt and minerals. Handymax ships are common in the Mediterranean and Black Sea, in West Africa and in the Caribbean and Latin America. See grain shipping and Black Sea grain shipping.
What to check on an older ship
The age and the class society, the condition of the holds and the cranes, the hatch covers and the last cargoes. For food cargoes the holds must be clean and free of smell. Ask for the ship details and, if needed, an inspection before loading.
How to request a Handymax
In your request give the cargo, the quantity range, the ports, the laycan and whether you need cranes and grabs. Read how to charter a ship and freight rates explained.
Post your ship request
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