Handymax

Handymax is the dry bulk carrier segment of roughly 40,000 to 50,000 dwt, sitting between Handysize below 40,000 dwt and Supramax at 50,000 to 60,000 dwt. Handymax vessels are geared, carrying their own cranes, typically four of about 30 tonnes, so they work ports without shore equipment. That flexibility lets them trade grain, coal, bauxite, cement, and steel into draft- and gear-restricted berths the larger Panamax and Capesize ships cannot reach. The Baltic Supramax Index (BSI) tracks the rate level for this size band, the modern reference having shifted from Handymax to the Supramax benchmark.