Bulk Shipping

The transport of large quantities of mineral commodities without packaging on specialised bulk carrier vessels, using port facilities equipped with ship loaders and capable of handling the required cargo volumes. Bulk shipping is the primary mode of international trade for iron ore, bauxite, coal, and grain. Freight rates for bulk shipping are influenced by vessel supply and demand, fuel costs, port congestion, and commodity trade volumes. Shipping economics fundamentally influence the competitiveness of mining operations in global commodity markets.