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.
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Explore more
Below you will find sector-relevant Insight articles (subscribe here), specific services, industry topics of interest, news, and further resources.
- 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.
- 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.
- Maritime
Technological feasibility of automated remote drone- and AI-based survey demonstrated
The final onboard tests of the REDHUS research project have been a remarkable success. Over the past three years, the five project partners have collaborated closely to prototype an automated remote drone-based ship hull survey.
- Maritime
Using smart digital solutions to support steel coil loading
Steel coils come in various sizes and weights, making it challenging for ship managers and operators to assess whether their vessels are suitable for a proposed shipment.
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Decarbonize shipping
The pressure is on for the maritime industry to decarbonize. To help navigate these complex challenges, DNV has gathered up-to-date information to help turn uncertainty into confidence.
- Maritime
Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index
The EEXI is to be verified and a new Energy Efficiency Certificate issued no later than the first annual IAPP survey on or after 1 January 2023
- Maritime
Digitalization in maritime industry
Learn more about DNV’s many digitalized services, including DATE, electronic certificates, smart survey bookings and cyber security solutions
- Maritime
Maritime cyber security
Why cyber security is essential for the different maritime stakeholders – watch the video and explore ISM guidance, FAQs and more