Small Bulk Carrier (Mini)

A small bulk carrier, or mini-bulker, is a dry-bulk ship under about 10,000 dwt built for coastal, short-sea, and river-sea trades. Its shallow draft and small dimensions reach minor ports, tidal berths, and inland terminals closed to deep-sea bulkers. The ships are usually geared with one or two deck cranes, carry one or two box-shaped holds, and often hold river-sea class notations for limited inland passage. Cargoes are grain, aggregates, fertilizer, cement, scrap steel, and bagged goods on short hauls. The segment sits below the Handysize fleet and above inland barges, and serves regional networks in Europe, the Baltic, and Asia.