Dry Bulk Vessel Chartering Services

Ametheus Shipping is a trusted provider of professional ship chartering services for dry bulk cargoes, serving both domestic and international markets. With deep industry expertise and a proven track record, our dedicated team specializes in the efficient transportation of a wide range of dry bulk commodities, including:

• Rice, wheat, corn, and soybeans
• Gypsum, aggregates, cement, and other dry bulk minerals
• Steel products and copper slag

(Please note: We do not handle personal effects or household goods.)

Renowned for our integrity and reliability, Ametheus Shipping maintains long-established relationships with charterers, shipowners, and operators worldwide. We act as your dedicated advocate, thoroughly canvassing the global market to identify the most suitable vessels that align with your specific requirements. Our primary objective is to minimize your transportation costs while eliminating delays that could result in demurrage, detention, or other additional expenses.

We deliver tailored, innovative logistics solutions to address complex transportation challenges. For instance, we leverage extensive barging systems to optimize timelines, enhance efficiency, and improve your overall bottom line.

Dry Bulk Carrier Types

Dry bulk carriers are classified according to size and capability to ensure optimal match with cargo volume, port restrictions, and trade routes:

• Handysize: 10,000 – 40,000 DWT
• Handymax/Supramax: 40,000 – 65,000 DWT
• Panamax: 65,000 – 85,000 DWT
• Post-Panamax/Capesize: 80,000+ DWT (typically 100,000 – 200,000+ DWT for the largest vessels)

Our Tailored Chartering Process

To determine the ideal chartering solution for your needs, we collaborate closely with you to assess key parameters:

• Type and characteristics of cargo
• Total cargo tonnage (deadweight)
• Load port (pickup) and discharge port (delivery) locations
• Domestic or international shipment
• Required laydays / shipment schedule

Once these details are confirmed, our experts select the appropriate vessel type and negotiate the optimal Charter Party agreement, ensuring all terms are clearly defined and favorable to your interests.

Specialized Solutions

For flowable bulk cargoes such as aggregates, copper slag, and bulk gypsum, we offer belt self-unloading vessels. These advanced vessels enable rapid, efficient, and environmentally responsible discharge—directly onto the dock or onto barges alongside—minimizing handling time and environmental impact.

For breakbulk and specialized commodities (e.g., steel coils, gypsum wallboard, newsprint, and other general or project cargoes), we draw on extensive experience with versatile vessel types, including:

• Handymax and Panamax
• Side-port vessels
• Tweendeckers
• Heavy-lift vessels equipped with cranes, grabs, elevators, and other specialized gear

At Ametheus Shipping, we are committed to delivering reliable, cost-effective, and seamless dry bulk chartering solutions that support your business objectives.

Contact us today to discuss your upcoming shipments. Our team is ready to provide competitive market insights and secure the best possible tonnage for your requirements.

HANDYSIZE VESSELS

Handysize and Handymax vessels make up the bulk of the world’s ocean-going cargo fleet. Handysize vessels are generally capable of handling shipments between 25,000 and 35,000 dwt (dead weight tonnes). Both types of vessels are more maneuverable and have shallower draft than larger vessels and can access a wider variety of cargo types and port scenarios. Most Handysize ships are “geared”, i.e. fitted with cranes, allowing them to load and discharge cargoes at ports which lack cranes or other cargo handling systems. Compared to larger dry bulk shipping carriers these vessels carry a wider variety of cargo types.

HANDYMAX VESSELS

Handymax vessels are larger versions of the popular Handysize Vessels, capable of carrying approximately 35,000 to 60,000 dwt (dead weight tonnes) of dry bulk cargo. A typical Handymax ship will be outfitted with five dry bulk cargo holds, and up to four cranes with 30 metric ton lifting capacity for cargo self-load/unload operations in suitable ports. These ships are typically available for international shipping.

PANAMAX VESSELS

Panamax vessels are very large ocean-going vessels that are designed to take advantage of the maximum vessel capacity of the Panama Canal. These ships can typically carry between 60,000 and 85,000 dwt (dead weight tonnes) and are the shipping vessels of choice for many dry bulk shipping cargoes such as grain or minerals.

CAPESIZE BULK CARRIERS

Capesize vessels (length 230 to 270 m, draft 17 m), with carrying capacity between 80,000 to 199,000 dwt (dead weight tonnes), are too large for the Panama Canal and trade from the Atlantic around the Cape of Good Hope.

For more information about dry bulk shipping please check out Wikipedia.