Dry Cargo
Dry cargo is a broad category that includes everything from raw materials to finished products. Generally speaking, it consists of goods that require no special protection or temperature control and which can be transported inside containers or conventional vessels. Common dry cargo types include grains, coal, ores, wooden logs, machinery, metals, steel coils, and textiles.
Grain
Grain is one of the most commonly transported bulk dry cargoes, with wheat, corn and soya beans making up most of the world’s grain trade. The grain is typically transported in bulk carriers and shipments typically range between 10,000 to 70,000 tons. Specialty grain vessels, such as grain barges, are also used for smaller shipments of grain.
Coal
Coal shipments make up a large portion of the dry cargo trade, although coal is classed as a hazardous material. As such, there are a number of safety requirements which must be met when transporting coal, both in terms of ship design and cargo handling. Coal is typically loaded into conventional vessels and shipped in bulk, with shipments ranging from several thousand to twenty to thirty thousand tons.
Ores
Ores are mined from the earth and then processed for their mineral content, usually for industrial use. The ores are typically transported in bulk carriers, although specialty ore-carrying vessels also exist. Depending on the nature of the ore, dense or non-dense, they are loaded and carried in different ways. Non-dense ores can be loaded in bulk and then freighted in containers or conventional vessels, while dense ores need to be loaded into special ore carriers that are designed to hold the heavy material.
Wooden Logs
Wooden logs are transported by sea either in bulk or in special logging vessels. Bulk shipments usually range from 10,000 to 25,000 tons, whereas logging vessels may be able to carry up to 10,000 tons of logs per trip. Logging vessels are specifically designed to handle the unique load, which includes logs of various lengths and sizes.
Machinery
Machinery may be shipped via conventional vessels, break bulk vessels or containers, depending on the size of the shipment. Typically, machinery is loaded on pallets and then strapped down according to weight, orientation and size. Special care must be taken to make sure the machinery is loaded and secured in the right manner to ensure it is not damaged in transit.
Metals
Metals are often shipped in bulk form, although there are also specialty metalliferous vessels used for certain types of metals. Depending on the type of metal, deliveries may consist of coils, plates or ingots, which all require a different type of vessel in order to be safely transported. Metalliferous vessels are designed to carry steel coils, plates, bales and ingots.
Steel Coils
Steel coils are typically shipped in flat-bed vessels but may also be shipped in special coil carriers. Special care must be taken when handling steel coils as they are extremely heavy and require specialized cranes in order to be safely loaded and unloaded. Coils are typically shipped in bulk, with shipments ranging from 10,000 to 40,000 tons.
Textiles
Textiles are typically shipped in containers due to their delicate nature. Special care must be taken to ensure the goods are packed properly and secured securely in the shipping container to avoid damage during transit. Textiles may also need to be inspected by customs authorities before they can be approved for entry into port.
