Capesize
A large dry-bulk carrier (typically 100,000+ DWT) too big for the Panama and Suez canals, routing around the Capes.
Capesize vessels are the largest standard dry-bulk carriers, usually over 100,000 DWT and often 180,000+ DWT, historically too large for the Suez and Panama canals — hence they sail around the Cape of Good Hope or Cape Horn.
They dominate the long-haul iron-ore and coal trades, especially Brazil and Australia to Asia, and their freight is the most volatile and closely watched signal in the dry-bulk market.
On The Maritime
Also known as: cape, capesize bulker.
Related terms
Panamax
A ship sized to the dimensional limits of the original Panama Canal locks — about 65,000–80,000 DWT for bulkers.
Kamsarmax
A dry-bulk carrier of about 80,000–85,000 DWT, sized to the maximum length that can load at the port of Kamsar in Guinea.
Deadweight TonnageDWT
The total weight a ship can carry — cargo plus fuel, stores, crew and water — at her load line, in metric tonnes.
Very Large Crude CarrierVLCC
A crude oil tanker of roughly 200,000–320,000 DWT — the backbone of long-haul Middle East–to–Asia oil transport.
Plain-English reference definition — our own explanation of a standard shipping concept, not a licensed source or legal advice. See the full glossary or the broader maritime dictionary.
Last reviewed: June 2026.