Capesize

Bulk carrier > 100,000 DWT — too large for Panama Canal, must round Cape of Good Hope or Cape Horn; iron ore, coal, bauxite trades.

In practice

Iron-ore and coal trades from Brazil / Australia to China / Europe. 'Capesize' because they cannot transit Suez (loaded) and traditionally rounded the Cape of Good Hope.

Regulatory detail & full definition

Major routes: Brazil-China iron ore (Tubarão-Qingdao), Australia-China iron ore (Port Hedland-Qingdao), South Africa coal exports. Spot rates quoted on Baltic Capesize Index (BCI). Newest Newcastlemax (~210,000 DWT) and Valemax (~400,000 DWT) sit at the top end of capesize.

Source: Industry usage; Baltic Exchange BCI

High confidence

Editorial confidence: how we grade.

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Capesize

In practice

Related

Capesize

In practice

Related