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How transverse watertight bulkheads strengthening bulk carriers structural configuration ?

According to the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) rules, bulk carriers are longitudinally divided by fitting
transverse watertight bulkheads detailed as below:

1. One collision bulkhead - fitted at a distance from the Forward Perpendicular (FP) of not less than 5% of the length (L) of the ship
or 10 m, whichever is the lesser, and not more than 8% of L. The collision bulkhead must be watertight with no door, manhole
ventilation duct or any other opening up to the freeboard deck

2. one aft peak bulkhead and one bulkhead fitted and made watertight up to the freeboard deck at the forward and aft boundary of
the machinery space if located amidships · one aft peak bulkhead made watertight up to the freeboard deck and one bulkhead at
the forward end of the machinery space if located aft

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3. ships not required to comply with subdivision requirements should be fitted with transverse watertight bulkheads (in addition to
the collision and the after peak bulkhead) which are extended up to the freeboard deck

4. the openings in watertight subdivisions are kept to a minimum to ensure proper operation of the ship. Any penetrations for
access, piping, ventilation, electrical cables, etc must not reduce watertightness

5. bulkheads are of corrugated or plane steel construction.

Fig: Transverse section of a bulk carrier

Below figure explains number of bulkheads to be fitted for different ship lengths.

Ship Length : Ships machinery space aft : other ships

90 m or more but less than 105 m with ships machinery fitted aft no. of bulkheads 4 & other ship type no. of bulkhead 5

105 m or more but less than 120 m with ships machinery fitted aft no. of bulkheads 5 & other ship type no. of bulkhead 6

120 m or more but less than 145 m with ships machinery fitted aft no. of bulkheads 6 & other ship type no. of bulkhead 7

145 m or more but less than 165 m with ships machinery fitted aft no. of bulkheads 7 & other ship type no. of bulkhead 8

165 m or more but less than 190 m with ships machinery fitted aft no. of bulkheads 8 & other ship type no. of bulkhead 9

190 m or more Determined for each ship individually

While bulk carriers may appear similar to oil tankers, their structure is comparatively `weaker' due to the lack of strengthening
members (beams, girders, stiffeners and deck plating) that would obstruct the large hatches. This results in enormous bending
moments and a reduced ability to withstand torsional stresses.

Additionally, the loading/discharging patterns used for bulk carriers result in severe vertical shear and bending stresses. These can be
reduced by careful loading and discharging operations and additional structural strengthening to compensate.

Many bulk carriers have a `ballast hold', which is an additional design consideration. Careful attention is necessary when loading
ballast and deballasting if cargo is being worked at the same time. Some vessels are also built with extra ballast holds designed to be
part filled in port only so that the vessel can maintain air draught, which may be required in some discharge ports. These holds must
be discharged before sailing to avoid the effects of free surface.

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Operation of sea going bulk carriers involved numerous hazards . Careful planning and exercising due caution for all critical shipboard
matters are important . This site is a quick reference to international shipping community with guidance and information on the loading
and discharging of modern bulk carriers so as to remain within the limitations as specified by the classification society.
It is vital to reduce the likelihood of over-stressing the ship's structure and also complying with all essential safety measures for a safe
passage at sea. Our detail pages contain various bulk carrier related topics that might be useful for people working on board and those
who working ashore in the terminal. For any remarks please Contact us

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