Ultramax Bulk Carrier: Size, Cranes and Cargoes
Ultramax is the newest generation of the Supramax class: slightly bigger, with larger hatches and better fuel efficiency, and still with its own cranes.
What an Ultramax is
An Ultramax is a geared bulk carrier of about 60,000 to 66,000 DWT. The design appeared in the 2010s as a development of the Supramax: a little longer and wider, with a deeper design draft, so it carries several thousand tonnes more cargo than an older Supramax. Most have five holds and four cranes of about 30 to 35 tonnes each.
How it differs from a Supramax
The main differences are cargo capacity, the size of the hatch openings and fuel consumption. Larger hatches make loading and discharging faster, and the modern engine and hull use less fuel per tonne carried. Older Supramax ships are cheaper to charter, so the choice depends on the cargo, the ports and the time you have.
Typical cargoes
Grain and oilseeds, fertilizers, coal and petcoke, steel products, cement and clinker, forest products and minerals. An Ultramax is a good fit for cargoes of 50,000 to 60,000 tonnes, where a Panamax is too big for the ports and a smaller ship would need two voyages. See grain and coal and ore shipping.
Ports and draft
Because an Ultramax is loaded to a deeper draft than a Supramax, the port must allow about 12 to 14 metres to take a full cargo. If the draft is lower, the ship loads less, and the freight per tonne rises. Write the draft of the berths in your request.
Chartering an Ultramax
Most cargoes go on a voyage charter. Ask the ship operator for the cargo intake on your voyage, the crane and grab details and the laycan the ship can meet. See how to charter a ship.
Post your ship request
Shipfixing connects charterers and ship operators. We scan for suitable ships. Voyage requests for ships below 10,000 DWT need no signup and no membership.
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