Chinamax
Ship size class
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Chinamax is a standard of ship measurements that allow conforming ships to use various harbours when fully laden, the maximum size of such a ship being 24 m (79 ft) draft, 65 m (213 ft) beam and 360 m (1,180 ft) length overall.[1][2] An example of ships of this size is the Valemax bulk carriers.
| General characteristics | |
|---|---|
| Tonnage | 400,000 DWT |
| Length | 360 m (1,181 ft) |
| Beam | 65 m (213 ft) |
| Draft | 24 m (79 ft) |
The standard was originally developed to carry very large loads of iron ore to China from Brazilian port facilities operated by mineral firm Vale.[1][2]
Correspondingly, harbours and other infrastructure that are "Chinamax-compatible" are those at which such ships can readily dock.[1][2] Unlike Suezmax and Panamax, Chinamax is not determined by locks or channels, or bridges—the Chinamax standard is aimed at port provisions and the name is derived from the massive dry-bulk (ore) shipments that China receives from around the globe.
In container shipping, recent classes intended for trade with China have all focused on a ~400 meter length, which deep water container terminals can cater for.
Examples
See also
- List of Panamax ports
- Cargo ship sizes Handymax, Panamax, Suezmax, Capesize
