General Cargo Vessel Charter
General cargo ships carry packaged, bagged, palletised and breakbulk cargo, often with their own cranes. They suit cargoes that do not fit a bulk carrier.
What general cargo ships carry
Typical cargoes are steel products, bagged goods, machinery, timber, project cargo and mixed parcels. Many ships have cranes (gear) and can load where there are no port cranes. Deck cargo ships carry cargo on deck as well as in the holds.
How they are chartered
Most general cargo is chartered on a voyage charter, for one cargo with agreed ports and freight. A time charter suits regular trades.
What to prepare
Describe the cargo, its weight and dimensions, whether it needs ship's gear, the ports and the laycan. For heavy or oversized pieces see heavy lift charter.
What makes a general cargo ship
A general cargo or multipurpose ship has box-shaped holds, flat hold floors, several decks, strong hatch covers and cranes that can lift heavy pieces. These features let it carry mixed cargoes: bagged goods, steel coils and plates, timber and machinery, and project cargo. Most are small, from about 5,000 to 20,000 DWT, and many work on short sea routes.
Cargoes and how they are measured
General cargo is often measured by volume as well as by weight. The stowage factor is the space a tonne of cargo takes: a tonne of steel needs little space, a tonne of light cargo needs a great deal. A charterer who gives only the weight leaves the ship operator unable to check if the cargo fits. Give the weight, the dimensions of large pieces and the packing.
Securing and handling
Heavy and unusual cargo is lashed and secured with special gear to stop it moving at sea. Check that the ship's cranes can lift the heaviest piece, and that the port has the quay strength and the reach for it. See the guides to heavy lift ships and steel and project cargo.
Search general cargo ships
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.
Related guides
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