Capesize bulk-carrier

Capesize ships are the largest cargo ships; ships which are too large to transit the Suez Canal (Suezmax limits) or Panama Canal (Panamax limits), and so have to pass either the Cape of Good Hope or Cape Horn to transverse between oceans. ... Capesize vessels are typically above 150,000 long tons deadweight (DWT), and ships in this class include bulk carriers transporting coal, ore, and other commodity raw materials. The term capesize is most commonly used to describe bulk carriers rather than tankers. A standard capesize bulker is around 175,000 DWT, although larger ships (normally dedicated to ore transportation) have been built, up to 400,000 DWT. The large dimensions and deep drafts of such vessels mean that only the largest deep water terminals can accommodate them. Capesize ships are commonly used in transportation of coal, iron ore and commodity raw materials. Because of this, they are often termed bulk carriers rather than tankers. Subcategories of capesize vessels include very large ore carriers (VLOC) and very large bulk carriers (VLBC) of above 200,000 DWT. These vessels are mainly designed to carry iron ore. [Capesize. Wikipedia]