Bulk Cargo
Port Draft & Vessel Restriction Database
Indicative maximum permissible arrival/sailing draft, LOA, beam and DWT for major bulk terminals, plus a quick vessel suitability check. Always reconfirm with the local agent and current port circular before fixing.
Bulk Cargo39 portsSuitability check
39 ports
Vessel suitability check
Port Hedland, Australia
Australia & NZ · Iron ore
Tidal sailing windows only; convoy departures on the high tide. Pilotage compulsory.
Max draft
19.3m
Max LOA
330m
Max beam
65m
Max class
VLOC
up to 260,000 DWT
Suitability verdict
warnfor the nominated vessel at Port Hedland
okSailing draft: 6.20 m of margin against the 19.30 m limit.
okLength overall: 200 m within the 330 m limit.
okBeam: 32.26 m within the 65 m limit.
warnTidal window: Tidal port | sailing draft is only achievable in a tidal window. Build the window into laytime.
| Class | DWT | LOA | Beam | Draft |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Handysize | 10,000–39,999 | 130–180 m | 20–28 m | 8.5–10.5 m |
| Handymax | 40,000–49,999 | 175–190 m | 28–32 m | 10.5–11.5 m |
| Supramax | 50,000–59,999 | 190–200 m | 32.2 m | 12.0–12.8 m |
| Ultramax | 60,000–66,999 | 199–200 m | 32.3 m | 13.0–13.3 m |
| Panamax | 67,000–79,999 | 225 m max (old locks) | 32.31 m max | 12.04 m (old locks) |
| Kamsarmax | 80,000–84,999 | 229 m | 32.26 m | 14.4 m |
| Post-Panamax | 85,000–119,999 | 230–255 m | 36–43 m | 14.5–15.5 m |
| Capesize | 120,000–199,999 | 270–300 m | 43–47 m | 17.0–18.2 m |
| Newcastlemax | 200,000–219,999 | 300 m max | 50 m max | 18.5 m |
| VLOC | 220,000–400,000 | 330–362 m | 55–65 m | 18.5–23.0 m |
Overview & methodology
What is the port draft and vessel database?
The database provides indicative draft, LOA, and beam restrictions for major bulk cargo terminals. In 2026, it helps chartering desks verify if a vessel class (e.g., Kamsarmax) can load or sail at full capacity or needs to part-load due to draft limits.
Numerical Example: Vessel Suitability Check
The vessel can sail with a 0.3m under-keel clearance (UKC) margin at this port.
PortDampier, Australia
Vessel ClassCapesize
Max Draft18.5m
Vessel Draft18.2m
StatusSUITABLE (Safe Margin)
Source: International Maritime Organization - Safe Port and Berth GuidanceOfficial Resource
Last reviewed: August 2026
Frequently asked questions
How do I check if a vessel can call at a port?
Compare the vessel's LOA, beam and arrival draft against the berth's maximum permissible values, keep the required under-keel clearance, and add tidal window where the port is tide-restricted. Air draft under loading gear and cranes also has to be checked for gearless bulkers.
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