Bulk carriers

DNV is your trusted classification partner for non-geared and geared bulk carriers.

At DNV, we have an unrivalled expertise in classifying all major sizes of bulk carrier vessels: Very Large Ore Carriers (VLOC), Capesize, Panamax, Handymax, and Handysize. Our comprehensive range of services spans the entire ship lifecycle – from newbuilding design and construction to vessel operations, including potential conversions and retrofits, we provide a holistic approach. Our support extends to navigating regulatory complexities, while also addressing critical subjects like bulk carrier safety, sustainability, and cybersecurity. Drawing upon our global network, technical excellence, and deep understanding of bulker carriers, we provide a wide range of services which can help you and your business.

Ensuring ship compliance and reducing costs

Inspection deficiencies carry significant costs for shipowners. Thanks to our dedicated Port State Control (PSC)  tools and support services, DNV has been the best performing classification society for bulk carrier ships on PSC inspections every year since 2005, as confirmed by Intercargo, and by publicly available benchmarking reports. The DNV-classed bulk carrier fleet consistently outperforms others in PSC statistics, enhancing ship owners’ reputation and earnings, while reducing costs. 

Helping to solve cargo owners’ challenges

With our network of experts based in all major dry-bulk shipping hubs worldwide, DNV works closely with ship owners and cargo owners to identify practical solutions to specific challenges. We know the value chain and collaborate with cargo owners, charterers, and operators to better understand their requirements, and to convert this into relevant guidelines, class rules and (optional) class notifications. For example, our Easy Loading (EL) class notation enables faster, yet safe loading, translating into improved financial performance.

Global expertise on-site: our local Bulker Expert Team in China can now be even more responsive to our customers in a decisive period of fleet renewal and modernization.

Providing round the clock assistance via digital solutions 

As the leader in digitalization and data-driven solutions, DNV offers a variety of services. Through our online portal DATE® (Direct Access to Technical Experts)  we ensure 24/7 assistance for all your technical needs. DNV-classed vessels can utilize efficient and convenient remote surveys  for a number of inspections. With Machinery Maintenance Connect (MMC) you can profit from time-saving and easier digital machinery surveys and monitor your machinery maintenance performance in the dashboard for each individual vessel as well as for the whole fleet.

Specifically developed for geared bulk carriers, DNV’s Steel Load Planner is a self-service digital app to significantly optimize the complex process of steel coil loading.

With cyber security  a growing threat across the maritime industry, DNV provides a range of services that ensure comprehensive cyber security throughout the design, construction, and operation of a vessel. This includes DNV’s Cyber Secure class notation, which ensures compliance with new IACS Unified Requirements for cyber security, and a comprehensive suite of advisory and managed services, which help to identify, prevent, detect, respond to, and recover from cyber incidents, in both the IT and OT domains. 

Advising on decarbonization and energy efficiency of bulk carriers

Decarbonization is one of the greatest challenges of our time and DNV can advise you on your journey with recommended specifications for your newbuilding options, as well as a roadmap to a future-proof existing fleet. 

Energy efficiency measures, combined with the use of biofuel as a drop-in fuel, will likely be the key focus for the decarbonization of both newbuilds and the existing bulker fleet. 

DNV has extensive experience in the approval and verification of Wind Assisted Propulsion Systems (WAPS) for gearless bulkers.

DNV has been in the forefront for all alternative fuels and defined rules for LNG as fuel already in the year 2000, methanol as fuel in 2013, and ammonia as fuel in 2021. We can assist with your fuel selection, considering factors such as trade routes, consumption, technology, fuel price and availability. 

DNV’s Alternative Fuels Insight platform provides the maritime industry with an open platform for evaluating the uptake of alternative fuels and technologies.

Setting industry standards with innovations improving the performance of your bulker fleet

We offer unparalleled operational experience, unique competences and class notations for non-geared and geared bulk carriers. Please click on your applicable bulk carrier size to view a selection of our offering. To learn more, please visit our Rules & Standards Explorer.

Description:

Description:

  • Leverage unparalleled operational experience for VLOCs with DNV, the leading classification society holding over 30% of the market share
  • Easy Loading class notation for faster and safe loading operations
  • Cargo Liquefaction guideline  and class notation for safe handling of cargo liquefaction
  • Alternate Loading and Multiport Loading class notations for a better loading flexibility
  • Calculation of reduced sagging deformations leading to increased cargo intake
  • Extensive experience in verifying full scale measurements of the effect of Wind Assisted Propulsion Systems (WAPS)  on VLOCs
  • Vessel Technical Index (VTI) as a new standard for technical performance management
  • Most modern design Rules for Ore carriers, leading to a more robust and optimized design
  • Advising on alternative fuel options and associated class notations 
Description:

Description:

  • Most extensive surveyor network in Australian ports to serve you where you need us
  • Easy Loading statement for faster and safe loading operations
  • Evaluation of special loading patterns in Australian ports 
  • Evaluation of airborne and underwater noise in Australian ports
  • Extensive experience in approval of Wind Assisted Propulsion Systems (WAPS) for both newbuilding and retrofit projects for Newcastlemax
  • Vessel Technical Index (VTI) as a new standard for technical performance management
  • Hull Inspection Manual to support proactive and standardized maintenance routines
Description:

Description:

  • Evaluation of the capacity to carry deck cargo (e.g. windmill blades or turbines) which may increase revenue and decrease the carbon footprint per ton-mile when carried on return voyages
  • Cargo and cargo hold ventilation guide to prevent damage to the cargo and ensure safety of the crew
  • Shaft Align notation to further minimize propulsion safety risk and prevent costly equipment failure
  • Evaluation of airborne and underwater noise in Australian ports
  • Extensive experience in approval of Wind Assisted Propulsion Systems (WAPS) for retrofit projects for Kamsarmax
  • Vessel Technical Index (VTI) as a new standard for technical performance management
Description:

Description:

  • Steel Load Planner digital app for the safer, optimized, and more efficient transport of steel coils
  • Cargo and cargo hold ventilation guide to prevent damage to the cargo and ensure safety of the crew
  • Evaluation of the capacity to carry deck cargo (e.g. windmill blades or containers) which may increase revenue and decrease the carbon footprint per ton-mile when carried on return voyages
  • Most extensive world-wide network of surveyors and maritime experts as a local support to vessels that are tramping and operating globally
  • Shaft Align notation to further minimize propulsion safety risk and prevent costly equipment failure
  • Practical guideline on the use of biofuels as one of the most promising and cost-efficient decarbonization solutions – usually in combination with energy efficiency measures
  • Battery class notations for higher energy efficiency and lower emissions

Explore more

Below you will find sector-relevant Insight articles (subscribe here), specific services, industry topics of interest, news, and further resources.

Ubuntu Integrity built at Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipyard
Maritime

New tanker and bulker expert team in China supports global newbuild projects

DNV has established a team of experts in China to provide efficient, timely and proactive support to the local shipbuilding industry as well as owners placing newbuild orders in China. The focus is on bulk carriers and tankers, the two ship types anticipated to see the most vigorous growth in the coming years.

Bulk carrier at sea
Maritime

Positive outlook for bulkers as demand outpaces supply

Strengthening demand and limited supply are expected to boost freight rates and increase the profitability of bulker operations over the next five years. Energy efficiency and sustainable biofuel will likely be the key focus for the decarbonization of both the existing bulker fleet and newbuilds.

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