Bulk & RoRo Shipping
Bulk Carriers
Bulk carriers are mainly designed to transport unpackaged bulk commodities such as coal, ore, and grain, as well as general cargo like machinery, steel, and timber.
A multipurpose bulk carrier combines the large cargo hold capacity of a bulk vessel with the flexibility of a general cargo ship, making it suitable for transporting mixed types of cargo in one voyage.
Key Features of Bulk Carriers
Flexible handling: Equipped with cranes and derricks, allowing efficient loading and unloading of different cargo types.
Hybrid cargo holds: Suitable for both bulk commodities and general cargo.
Versatile routes: Ideal for ports with limited infrastructure, especially in developing countries and smaller regional ports.
Types of Bulk Carriers
Based on deadweight tonnage (DWT) and functionality:
Small carriers (10,000–20,000 DWT): Best for short-haul or regional transport.
Medium carriers (20,000–50,000 DWT): Commonly used for international shipping routes.
Large carriers (50,000+ DWT): Mainly deployed for transporting major bulk commodities.
Advantages & Challenges
Advantages:
Highly flexible, capable of carrying diverse cargo types
Low port infrastructure requirements
Suitable for small-batch or irregularly shaped goods
Cost-effective (no container leasing fees)
Challenges:
Lower loading/unloading efficiency compared to container ships
Cargo may require additional packaging to prevent damage or moisture exposure
Longer transit times (depending on cargo consolidation)
Freight rates are volatile and subject to market fluctuations
Major Bulk Ports in China
Qingdao Port (Shandong): Home to Dongjiakou Terminal, capable of handling ultra-large bulk carriers.
Rizhao Port (Shandong): Key hub for iron ore, coal, and timber imports; connects to major coal-producing regions in Shanxi, Shaanxi, and Inner Mongolia.
Tianjin Port (Tianjin): The largest comprehensive port in Northern China; an important transshipment hub for bulk cargo.
Ningbo-Zhoushan Port (Zhejiang): Ranked No.1 worldwide in cargo throughput for 13 consecutive years.
Guangzhou Port (Guangdong): Leading bulk port in South China.
Fangcheng Port (Guangxi): Strategic gateway linking Southeast Asia with Southwest China.
Lianyungang Port (Jiangsu): A vital exit point for China-Europe freight trains, connected to Central Asia and Europe.
Zhangjiagang Port (Jiangsu): A key bulk and trade port along the Yangtze River.
FAQ
Q: When should I choose bulk shipping?
A: If your cargo is oversized, irregular in shape, or if the destination port lacks container-handling facilities, bulk carriers are often the better choice.
Q: How is bulk freight calculated?
A: Freight is typically charged based on cargo volume/weight (freight tons) or on a charter basis (per voyage or time period).
RoRo Shipping 🚢🚗
RoRo (Roll-On/Roll-Off) shipping refers to vessels designed to transport cargo that can be driven directly on and off the ship, such as cars, trucks, construction machinery, and rail vehicles. Compared to traditional container shipping, RoRo offers greater efficiency, lower costs, and easier handling—making it the preferred solution for global automotive trade and heavy equipment logistics.
Key Features of RoRo Shipping
No cranes required: Vehicles simply drive on (Roll-On) and drive off (Roll-Off).
Fast turnaround: Much quicker loading/unloading compared to container shipping.
Handles oversized/heavy cargo: Ideal for construction machinery, rail locomotives, and other massive equipment.
High safety: Cargo is stored in enclosed decks, protected from wind and sea damage.
Typical RoRo Cargo
Automobiles: Passenger cars, buses, trucks (both new and used).
Construction equipment: Excavators, loaders, bulldozers, cranes.
Rail vehicles: Metro trains, high-speed rail cars, light rail vehicles.
Specialized equipment: Fire trucks, wind power equipment, and more.
RoRo has become the backbone of global automotive and machinery exports, with Chinese ports playing an increasingly important role in the worldwide RoRo logistics network.