Bulk and Break Bulk are two terms that are being used incorrectly and interchangeably in the course of day-to-day business..

These terms cannot be used interchangeably because there are distinctive differences between Bulk and Break Bulk in terms of cargo, ships used, nature, size, capacity, handling, trade, customers, ports, terminals, equipment, and infrastructure…

In the below article, I explain the differences between Bulk and Break Bulk, the differences in their operations, how the cargo handling differs in both, and the differences in ships for both of these two cargo types..

BULK

The term BULK here relates to trades where dry cargoes such as Iron ore, Grain, Coal, Alumina, and Phosphate are carried in loose form, (i.e. the cargo is not packed) and loaded directly in the holds of the ship like below..

The ships that carry these bulk cargoes are known as Bulk Carriers, Ore Carriers or Bulkers and may be classified based on their Deadweight (DWT) as below..

DWT refers to the weight that a ship can safely carry – this includes the weight of the cargo on board the ship, the crew, stores, fuel, water, ballast etc.. If the total weight exceeds the DWT certified by the ship builder, then the ship could be in danger of sinking or damage..

Bulk carriers have several cargo holds but a single deck, and cargoes may be loaded and carried as

1. A Single parcel with cargo in all holds for one customer or
2. Multiple parcels with cargoes in different holds for different customers..

Since Bulk cargoes are mostly homogeneous, it may require the use of dedicated terminals – like Richards Bay Coal Terminal in South Africa for the loading and/or discharging (notice the different size of bulk ships loading)..

BULKERS COME IN TWO FLAVOURS

1. Gearless – meaning the ship doesn’t have its own cranes and/or other cargo handling equipment which means these ships can only berth at a terminal that has the required cargo handling equipment..
2. Geared – meaning the has its own cranes and/or other cargo handling equipment which means these ships can call at any suitable berth at the port for cargo operations..

BULK CARGO FIXTURE TYPES

Bulk cargo fixtures can be done either on a spot basis (short term) or on a contract of affreightment – COA (long term) basis.. Freight rates for bulk vessels are usually charged per Metric Ton depending on quantity and cargo loaded..

End of Bulk Section

BREAK BULK

The term BREAK BULK relates to trades where the cargoes are carried in unitized form such as palletised, bagged, strapped, bundled, drummed and crated like below and also non unitised general cargo (vehicles, steel etc)..

The ships that carry these break bulk cargoes are known as Break Bulk, Multi-Purpose or General Cargo vessels and come in a variety of sizes and types such as Single Decker, Tween Decker, Box Holds..

Cargo can be loaded under deck, on deck or between decks (tween deck) which some of the ships have, like shown below..

In a break bulk or multi-purpose vessel,

• Cargoes may belong to various customers
• No dedicated berth or terminal is required unless specified in the charter party
• Can operate from any free berth

BREAK BULK SHIPS ALSO COME IN TWO FLAVOURS

1. Gearless – meaning the ship doesn’t have its own cranes and/or other cargo handling equipment which means these ships can only berth at a terminal that has the required cargo handling equipment..
2. Geared – meaning the has its own cranes and/or other cargo handling equipment which means these ships can call at any suitable berth at the port for cargo operations..

Freight rates for Break Bulk cargoes are worked out based on Freight Ton or Revenue Ton which means freight is charged on the volume (CBM) or weight (MT) of the cargo whichever is higher..

End of Break Bulk Section

Below is a look at the various ship types used in global maritime movement and a DWT vs Value comparison just so you can have an understanding of where the Bulk and Break Bulk ships stand..