Bulk carrier
![](/Images/godic/202501/10/Sabrina_I_cropped0002.jpg")
![](/Images/godic/202501/10/Bulk_carrier_general_arrangement_english0002.png")
![Grain bulk carrier & loading apparatus, Seattle 2010](/Images/godic/202501/10/Grain_bulk_carrier_&_docks,_Seattle0002.jpg")
![Cross section of a typical bulker. 1. Cargo hold 2. Hatch cover 3. Upper hopper tank for water ballast or oil 4. Double bottom 5. Lower hopper tank, for water ballast](/Images/godic/202501/10/Bulk_carrier_midship_section-i18.svg0002.png")
A bulk carrier, bulk freighter, or bulker is a merchant ship specially designed to transport unpackaged bulk cargo, such as grains, coal, ore, and cement in its cargo holds. Since the first specialized bulk carrier was built in 1852, economic forces have fuelled the development of these ships, causing them to grow in size and sophistication. Today's bulkers are specially designed to maximize capacity, safety, efficiency, and durability.