Bulk Cargo
Bulk Cargo is homogeneous, unpackaged cargo loaded loose and in large quantities directly into a ship's holds or tanks, rather than in containers or as separate packages. It divides into dry bulk — grain, coal, iron ore, bauxite, fertiliser, cement — and liquid bulk — crude oil, refined products, chemicals, LNG and LPG — each carried in purpose-built vessels.
Bulk shipping is about moving vast tonnages of raw commodities as cheaply as possible: cargo is poured, pumped or conveyed in and out, and quantities are typically determined by draft survey (dry) or ullage (liquid). It contrasts with break-bulk (separate pieces handled individually) and containerised cargo. Bulk trades underpin the global movement of energy, food and industrial raw materials, and have their own vessel types, terminals, chartering and documentation.
The raw materials that feed the world economy — energy, grain, ore — move as bulk cargo, in the cheapest-per-tonne shipping there is. It has its own ships, terminals, quantity-measurement methods and chartering, distinct from container and break-bulk trades. Understanding bulk cargo is understanding how commodities actually reach markets.
What is the difference between dry bulk and liquid bulk?
Dry bulk is loose solids (grain, coal, ore) in holds; liquid bulk is liquids and gases (oil, chemicals, LNG) in tanks.
How is bulk cargo different from break-bulk?
Bulk is homogeneous cargo loaded loose; break-bulk is discrete pieces (crates, machinery) handled individually.