Geared bulk carrier

A geared bulk carrier is a dry-bulk ship fitted with its own deck cranes or derricks, so it loads and discharges without shore-side cargo gear. Gear is standard on Handysize, Handymax, Supramax, and Ultramax tonnage up to about 66,000 dwt; cranes typically rate 30 to 35 tonnes and pair with grabs for free-flowing cargo. The trade-off is weight and maintenance: cranes consume deadweight and deck space and need upkeep, so larger ships bound for equipped terminals are usually gearless to maximize cargo. Geared tonnage commands a premium serving minor ports, project cargo, and steel products where no shore crane exists.