Coal and other fossil fuels are under international political pressure due to the acceptance by many politicians and environmental groups of the negative effect carbon dioxide emissions have on the environment. This pressure will result in a difficult coal market for the short term but increasing demand for energy will require the total energy supply to increase in the long term. Those with an investment horizon in excess of ten years would do well to plan and build before then. Ocean-going bulk carriers transport around 1 billion tpy of coal. These vessels are built in many sizes – generally determined by where they will be operating. Handysize vessels are generally designed to carry 40 000 t – 45 000 t, panamax vessels are designed to traverse the Panama and Suez Cannels and carry 60 000 t – 80 000 t, and vessels designed to travel round the Cape of Good Hope and Cape Horn generally carry over 80 000 t. Ocean transportation of coal is extremely economical but there is room for improvement.
Angharad Lock
Digital Assistant Editor
Angharad joined Palladian in August 2015 as a Digital Editorial Assistant, after graduating from the University of Birmingham with a first class BA (Hons) degree in English. She is enjoying learning about digital editorial processes and looks forward to learning more.
She was born in Hastings, but is now living in Farnham. In her spare time, Angharad likes to bake, read, and go to theatre.
