Bulk Carriers Ships For Sales

Bulk Carrier Ships for Sale - Complete Buyer's Guide

Your Comprehensive Source for Quality Used Bulk Carriers Worldwide

Welcome to the definitive resource for purchasing used bulk carrier vessels. Whether you're an established shipping operator expanding your dry bulk fleet or a new entrant seeking your first vessel, we offer an extensive selection of quality pre-owned bulk carriers ranging from 3,000 DWT small bulkers to 400,000 DWT Valemax giants. Our inventory encompasses all major bulk carrier categories, ages, and specifications to meet diverse cargo requirements and trading patterns across global dry bulk markets.

Understanding the Bulk Carrier Market

The used bulk carrier market presents compelling opportunities for buyers seeking proven vessels with documented performance histories at attractive valuations. Unlike newbuildings requiring 18-30 months for delivery, used bulk carriers offer immediate availability, enabling you to capitalize on favorable freight markets or secure long-term contracts without delay. Our portfolio includes vessels from the world's most prestigious shipyards in Japan, South Korea, China, and Europe, ensuring structural integrity, reliability, and strong resale potential.

Complete Range of Bulk Carrier Sizes Available

Small Bulk Carriers (3,000 - 10,000 DWT)

Compact vessels serving niche regional markets, river trades, and coastal distribution networks where larger tonnage cannot operate. Shallow drafts (5-7 meters) make them ideal for short-sea shipping, island trades, and specialized routes.

Handysize Bulk Carriers (10,000 - 35,000 DWT)

Most versatile segment in dry bulk shipping, combining port flexibility with economical cargo capacity. Typically 25,000-35,000 DWT with drafts around 9-10 meters, accessing ~90% of global ports. Often feature onboard cranes for cargo handling independence.

Handymax Bulk Carriers (35,000 - 50,000 DWT)

Bridge the gap between Handysize flexibility and Panamax capacity. Access most secondary ports while offering improved economies of scale. Split between geared and gear-less vessels.

Supramax Bulk Carriers (50,000 - 60,000 DWT)

Workhorse of the modern bulk carrier fleet. Typically 52,000-58,000 DWT, four or five cargo holds, onboard cranes, dominating global grain trades, coal movements, steel products, and project cargoes.

Ultramax Bulk Carriers (60,000 - 65,000 DWT)

Evolution of Supramax, around 61,000-64,000 DWT with improved fuel efficiency and cargo flexibility. Wide beam design optimizes hold capacity while maintaining Panamax beam restrictions.

Panamax Bulk Carriers (65,000 - 90,000 DWT)

Designed to transit Panama Canal (pre-expansion). Typically 70,000-82,000 DWT. Gear-less, ideal for coal, grain, and iron ore movements. Drafts 12-14 meters.

Post-Panamax / Kamsarmax Bulk Carriers (80,000 - 90,000 DWT)

Optimized Panamax designs with maximum cargo capacity. Typically 82,000-84,000 DWT. Preferred for coal, grain, and minor bulk trades.

Capesize Bulk Carriers (100,000 - 220,000 DWT)

• Standard Capesize (100,000-180,000 DWT): Dominates iron ore trades from Brazil and Australia to China, Japan, Europe. Coal exports from Australia, South Africa, Colombia.
• Mini-Capesize (100,000-120,000 DWT): Smaller vessels (~110,000 DWT) offering greater port flexibility.

Very Large Ore Carriers - VLOC (200,000 - 400,000 DWT)

The largest bulk carriers, including Valemax (~400,000 DWT), designed for Brazilian iron ore exports to Asia. Massive economies of scale but limited port flexibility.

Critical Factors When Buying Used Bulk Carriers

Age and Vessel Condition

• Modern (≤5 years): Premium price, superior fuel efficiency, low maintenance.
• Mid-age (5-12 years): Balanced acquisition cost, strong charter acceptance.
• Older (12-20 years): Lower entry price, requires thorough technical due diligence.

Special Survey and Drydocking Status (SS/DD)

Fresh-from-drydock vessels command premiums; those approaching survey trade at discounts reflecting upcoming drydock costs. Typical ranges:

• Handysize/Handymax: $0.8-1.5M
• Supramax/Ultramax: $1.5-2.5M
• Panamax/Kamsarmax: $2-3.5M
• Capesize: $3-5M

Draft Considerations and Trading Flexibility

• Shallow Draft (<10m): Access restricted ports, rivers, secondary ports.
• Medium Draft (10-13m): Standard for Handysize-Panamax segments.
• Deep Draft (14-18m): Capesize requires deep-water ports.
• Ultra-Deep Draft (>18m): VLOC restricted to few specialized terminals.

Cargo Hold Configuration and Gear

• Number of Holds: 5-7 (segregation flexibility vs maintenance complexity)
• Hold Dimensions: Affects stowage efficiency
• Gear: Geared vessels with cranes command premiums. Examples:
  • Handysize: 4x25-30 ton cranes
  • Supramax/Ultramax: 4x30-35 ton cranes
  • Handymax: 4x30 ton cranes (when fitted)
• Gear-less vessels: marginally better fuel efficiency

Shipyard Provenance and Build Quality

• Japanese: Premium steel, high resale, long-term reliability
• Korean: Advanced design, excellent build quality
• Chinese: Varies by yard; top-tier approaches Korean standard
• European: Specialized or smaller vessels with premium quality

IMO Compliance and Environmental Regulations

• CSR, PSPC, Ballast Water Management, EEDI/EEXI
• IMO 2020/2023: Low-sulfur fuel or scrubbers
• Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) for eco-design vessels

Pricing Dynamics in the Used Bulk Carrier Market

• Small Bulkers: $3-6M
• Handysize: $8-15M
• Handymax: $12-18M
• Supramax: $15-22M
• Ultramax: $18-26M
• Panamax/Kamsarmax: $20-32M
• Capesize: $30-55M
• VLOC: $70-120M

Why Choose Our Bulk Carrier Brokerage Services

We maintain the industry's most comprehensive database of available used bulk carriers. Our experienced brokers provide technical assessments, inspections, negotiations, and guidance throughout documentation and delivery. Whether acquiring a single vessel or assembling a diversified fleet, our global network ensures access to the best opportunities across all segments, ages, and specifications.

Ready to explore our current bulk carrier inventory? Contact our specialized dry bulk brokers today for personalized guidance and exclusive listings tailored to your requirements.