What is a common feature of bulk ships classified as Supramax?

Supramax bulk carriers are designed to optimize cargo capacity while still being manageable in size and flexibility to access a variety of ports. A defining characteristic of Supramax vessels is that they typically have five holds. This configuration allows for efficient loading and unloading of a wide diversity of bulk materials, which is ideal for their role in the global trade of solid bulk commodities.

The five-hold design enables better distribution of cargo weight and increases the overall capacity of the ship without surpassing the size limitations that might restrict access to smaller harbors. This makes Supramax bulkers particularly versatile for various trade routes and cargo types, such as grains, coal, and other similar products.

In contrast, while it is true that some bulk ships can have two or more holds, the specific configuration of five holds is unique to the Supramax classification and helps distinguish it from other vessel sizes and types. Additionally, Supramax ships typically range from about 50,000 to 60,000 deadweight tons in capacity and do not usually exceed 250 meters in length, making them smaller than some of the larger bulk carriers. Lastly, Supramax vessels do not exclusively carry liquid cargo; they primarily transport solid bulk cargo, which further emphasizes the correctness of