By Nick Lung    Photo：CANVA

Bulk cargo refers to goods loaded directly into the ship's hold without packaging. It is usually a large, mobile raw material, such as grain, coal, sand, mineral powder, or liquid raw materials. This type of cargo is moved in and out of the ship's hold in large quantities using gravity or mechanical equipment, and is carried by bulk carriers, tankers, or chemical tankers. In contrast, break bulk cargo is cargo transported in "pieces." Although it does not use containers, it still has packaging or bundles, such as wooden crates, pallets, steel bundles, paper rolls, etc., and is moved piece by piece using lifting equipment.

The operational methods for the two are significantly different. Bulk cargo uses equipment such as suction cranes, grabs, and conveyor belts for "mass loading and unloading," allowing for the loading and unloading of large quantities of raw materials in a short time. Breaking bulk cargo requires piece-by-piece hoisting and handling, involving more manual processes and being more time-consuming. From securing and binding to placement, everything needs professional planning, making it far more difficult and manpower-intensive than bulk cargo.

In terms of cost and risk, bulk cargo has lower unit costs due to its largely mechanized handling, but unpackaged goods are more susceptible to moisture, contamination, or contamination. Breaking bulk cargo is more expensive, requiring more labor and facing risks such as impacts, slippage, and center of gravity shifts during the voyage. If not properly secured, especially in rough seas, the probability of damage is even higher.

The two methods also apply to different types of cargo. Bulk cargo is suitable for large quantities of homogeneous, naturally flowing raw materials, such as grains, powders, and ores. Breaking bulk cargo is often used for special goods that cannot be containerized, such as large machinery, long steel bars, pulp, or irregularly shaped packages; it is suitable for smaller quantities of goods with unique volumes or shapes.

Furthermore, bulk cargo vessels have relatively simple hold designs, primarily featuring large open hatches and deep holds, facilitating large-scale loading and unloading. However, this requires higher standards for ballast, balance, and cargo density calculations. Break bulk cargo vessels, on the other hand, emphasize multi-deck configurations, boom cranes, or onboard cranes to handle cargo of varying sizes and weights, providing greater operational flexibility.

In addition, port facilities are a key difference. Ports capable of handling bulk cargo typically have large bulk handling equipment and storage facilities, with strict requirements for dust and pollution control. Ports handling break bulk cargo require sufficient storage space, specialized lifting equipment, and reinforcement equipment. The adequacy of port facilities often directly determines the choice of transportation mode and also affects costs and operational efficiency.

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