Handysize bulker

A Handysize bulker is the smallest mainline dry-bulk class, roughly 10,000 to 35,000 dwt, typically 130 to 180 meters long with a draft near 10 meters. Almost all are geared with deck cranes and grabs, so they self-load and discharge at minor ports that lack shore equipment. The shallow draft and modest length let them call at berths a Panamax or Capesize cannot reach, which is why they dominate the grain, cement, steel-product, fertilizer, and bagged-cargo trades to second-tier ports. Five holds is the common arrangement. The class trades flexibly and rarely sails fixed-route iron ore or coal liner runs.