Dry Bulk Carrier Ship Sizes

There is some debate with regards to the classification of ship sizes. Truth is as ships get bigger and the designs more flexible we have had to adjust the terminology we use.

A few short years ago (ok maybe 15 years) there were four ship sizes

Handy size, handymax, Panamax and Capesize

Here is my take on the current sizes and appropriate terminology
　

• Very Large Ore Carrier VLOC 210,000 metric tonne dwt (deadweight)
• Capesize 120,000-209,999 dwt 
• Post-Panamax 85,000-119,999 dwt 
• Panamax 65,000-84,999 dwt
• Handymax 40,000-64,999 dwt
• Handysize 10,000-39,999 dwt

I love big ships...think I might take up ship spotting and plan my trip to gibraltar (the best place to watch ships) armed with nothing but binoculars, whisky and cigars. I may even go commando.

Heaven (if shipping is your thing).

VS