Dry Bulk

Dry bulk is unpackaged, non-liquid cargo carried loose in a vessel’s holds, such as grain, coal, ore, cement, fertiliser, or aggregates. In maritime use, the term describes both the cargo type and the trade served by bulk carriers designed to load, trim, and discharge these materials efficiently.

Boaters encounter dry bulk traffic near ports, anchorages, channels, and coastal approaches, where large ships have limited manoeuvrability and significant blind sectors. Passage plans should include identifying AIS targets, recognising commercial Cargo movements, and allowing for the vessel’s Draught, wake, and turning room.

Dry bulk operations are weather sensitive: strong wind can delay berthing, swell can affect loading, and poor visibility increases collision risk in busy approaches. PredictWind forecasts, wave maps, and Weather Routing help skippers time arrivals, maintain safe separation, and understand conditions around bulk terminals.