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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
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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.
ClassDWTLOABeamDraft
Handysize10,000–39,999130–180 m20–28 m8.5–10.5 m
Handymax40,000–49,999175–190 m28–32 m10.5–11.5 m
Supramax50,000–59,999190–200 m32.2 m12.0–12.8 m
Ultramax60,000–66,999199–200 m32.3 m13.0–13.3 m
Panamax67,000–79,999225 m max (old locks)32.31 m max12.04 m (old locks)
Kamsarmax80,000–84,999229 m32.26 m14.4 m
Post-Panamax85,000–119,999230–255 m36–43 m14.5–15.5 m
Capesize120,000–199,999270–300 m43–47 m17.0–18.2 m
Newcastlemax200,000–219,999300 m max50 m max18.5 m
VLOC220,000–400,000330–362 m55–65 m18.5–23.0 m

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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

Related tools: Draft Survey, Stowage Factor.

Method note: calculations run in your browser using the formulas and published rule books cited on this page. Results are free estimates for planning, with no login required, and should be confirmed with your bank, broker or the official source before you commit.

Frequently asked questions

What is vessel draft and why does it matter?

Draft is the depth of water a vessel displaces when loaded. If a vessel draws 8.5 meters and the port's max draft is 8.2m, the vessel cannot enter without light-loading (reducing cargo). Draft varies by ship size and load: ballast draft (empty) vs. loaded draft (at capacity). Exceeding port limits is a deal-breaker.

What is LOA and beam?

LOA (Length Over All) is the vessel's total length. Beam is the width. Ports have maximum LOA and beam limits for their locks/channels. A ship 290m LOA cannot enter a port with a 270m limit. Check these specs carefully before negotiating vessel fixtures.

What is DWT (Deadweight Tonnage)?

DWT is the total weight a vessel can carry safely: cargo + fuel + stores + ballast. If you contract 55,000 MT of cargo but the vessel's DWT is 50,000 MT, it cannot take the full load. Always verify DWT matches your cargo quantity.

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Reviewed by SSLT Global Trade Compliance Team ·Methodology&Primary Sources