Type of Marine Cargo: Neo Bulk

What is Neo Bulk Cargo?

Neo bulk cargo is a third subcategory of general cargo. Recently, it promotes to the main category of cargo, alongside the general cargo and bulk cargo. It includes cargoes that are prepackaged, accountable, transported in defined load units, and not stored in a container. The ships to carry neo bulk cargo is designed for a specific cargo. Some examples are roll-on/roll-off car-carrying ships and log-carriers ships. Generally, all of them are called neo-bulk carriers.

Variety of Neo Bulk Cargo

There is a wide variety of neo bulk cargo including:

• Vehicles (cars, trucks, trailers, etc.)

Since the invention of roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) carriers, vehicles shipping has become more effective and efficient. There is no need to empty the fuel tanks and disconnect the batteries because RoRo carries are equipped with special built-in inclines, so the vehicles can be driven directly into the ships. There is also a chocking system to prevent the movement of the car during the shipping.

There are several types of RoRo carriers. PCC (Pure Car Carrier) and PCTC (Pure Car/Truck Carrier) are used specifically to transport vehicles. Another variation is ConRO or RoLo, a hybrid carrier that can load vehicles and other types of cargoes.

• Heavy machinery

Special equipment to executing construction task and earthwork operation, including steam or diesel-powered engine.

• Logs

Log-carriers have a special design to maximize the log capacity. Tip of the logs often exceeds the ship’s deck and float on the water.

• Livestock

Sheep, goats, cows, or other livestock are shipped by using modified vessels called livestock carriers. Additional requirements like feed, water and medications should also be carried. The cattle can be put on the open decks of open livestock carriers or within the internal decks of closed livestock carriers. Medium-sized vessels can carry about 30,000 to 40,000 sheep.

• Newsprint and Paper

The special vessel is designed to transport paper or newsprint. It is usually equipped with a side loading system and smooth welds on the deck.

• Steel, Lumber, etc.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Maritime Neo Bulk Shipping

The major advantage of maritime shipment of neo bulk is the heavy capability of neo-bulk carriers, so it can load a large number of vehicles or machinery. To transfer the equal weight of neo-bulk, it will take fewer times and costs than air or land shipment. Moreover, ships also provide carbon-efficient mode, so it has fewer carbon footprints compared to another shipping method. Several drawbacks of maritime shipping include the high risk of shipping because it’s hard to predict the sea state and if some accidents happen, it will be difficult to collect the remaining cargoes from the sea.