Ch a p t e r 1

1.1 INTRODUCTION
This Dry Cargo Chartering book sets out to ensure that readers who apply themselves .11
finish up with a thorough basic knowledge of this specialised sector of shipbroking.
It explains in detail the commodities evolved. their carnage requirements and the vesssie s
serving these markets. The book covers in depth the role of those participating in the marrket,
the charterers, the shipowners, the operators and the brokers. It also covers the freight- markkies
themselves and their documentation. charter parties. bills of lading, letters of credit and so onni.
The mechanics of offer and counter-offer are dealt with as well as advice regarding the dangers of
fraud and unethical practice Close attention is paid to aspects of freights and hires, ow-it,
extensive explanation of how to perform laytime calculations and voyage estimates.
Finally. world trades and geography affecting the dry cargo market in particular are examinecd as
well as explanations of how dry cargo chartering organisations operate, their office techniquites,
computerisation. the settling of disputes by reconciliation. arbitration and by resort to law. aind
relevant insurance protection.

It is an extensive undertaking in just 10 chapters, but this publication has been designed to Fnelp
readers in a practical fashion, taking them chapter by chapter in a logical manner through • the
many and varied facets of this fascinating sector of the world's maritime industry.
This firA chapter introduces the reader to dry cargo ships. It does not set out to be an exhaust tiive
study of the subject, but it explains many every day expressions as they are used in connecttion
with the vessels that participate in this market sector.
The intemational dry cargo market is immense, served by numerous ships of all sizes, ranggiing
from multipurpose ships and specialised vessels through to commonplace bulk carriers, mind
from small coasters with a cargo capacity of 100 or so tonnes up to very large capesize toiulk
tamers capable of carrying cargoes of up to 400,000 tonnes of a bulk commodity such as 'limn
ore. There are many elderly ships engaged in this most fascinating of markets, as well as the
latest highly sophisticated. fuel-efficient and cargo-friendly modem vessels.
Some ships are highly specialised and able to carry only one particular commodity. others are
flexible in design and able to transport a variety of cargoes.
In this chapter. we will be examining some of the ship types to be found in the dry cargo sector of
the international shipping market, their basic designs and constructional details, and LI-heir
suitability for certain cargoes and trades.

1.2 SHIP TYPES

There is a certain inter-relationship between various dry -cargo ship types. anti it will be see-en
that some basic designs are adapted to enable the vessel to become involved in more than
one trade. Modern designs of certain mult-deck vessels are capable of carrying a cargo , of
containers or. perhaps. a bulk cargo, in addition to what is termed break-bulk parcels of varicaus
commodities such as bales. crates and boxes.
If they are additionally equipped with a high capacity or heavy-lift crane capable of safely Palling
from shore to cargo hold and vice versa, an article weighing in excess of 100 tonnes, they haste
yet another facility of advantage to the vessel's owner or operator. There are some vesssiels
designed specifically with even heavier lifts in mind and these .can use two heavy-lift craness in
tandem to lift loads up to 1,000 tonnes at a time.

2 Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers