Ship types.

[Tony Wilding]

OBO, GEARED BULKER, REEFER, PANAMAX, CAPE SIZE, i understand OBO carries both oil and ore, presume a geared bulker means it is self discharging, reefer is refrigerated, panamax is largest to transit panama canal, and cape size too big, what i dont understand is how an OBO can carry both cargoes, i thought oil was carried in tanks, as opposed to holds, ? how were they cleaned when changing cargoes, must have been a nightmare, wikipedia states an OBO carries both cargoes in airtight compartments, no descriptions, does an OBO have hatches, and what method is used to discharge ore, ?

[Capt Bill Davies]

Tony,

A good question and one of particular interest to me as I sailed on many of this type of ship. John Cassel started a dedicated thread a little while and it explains the operation quite well. The main thing you should be looking at is the difference between OBOs (Ore Bulk Oil) and Ore/Oil ships, a close cousin. OBOs are difficult enough to deal with. Ore/Oil ships are nothing short of a nightmare.

Any questions, please do not hesitate to ask. No need to 'Google', leave that for the kids.

Brgds

Bill

[Tony Wilding]

HI, never having sailed on any of either type i know nothing about how they operate, my ships were general cargo, inc refrigerated, only sailed on one small tanker once, , has anyone had problems today replying to posts, ? tried to reply to one by phil crawley today, got same problem we had last week, blocked, yet i replied to you no problem , very strange, can soneone report it to those in charge. thanks.

[Tony Wilding]

I FOUND A SiTE THAT EXPLAINED ALL, amazing how the design was ever passed, in view of all the damaged caused discharging ore, and the instability of a liquid cargo in a hold. also the problem of sealing the hatches, bearing in mind a ship is not rigid, no wonder so many came to grief, especially when older.

[Capt Bill Davies]

That's good Tony. I have the site differentiates between OBOs and Ore/Oil carriers as they are not the same beast. OBOs I found interesting as you had the possibility of the three commodities, Ore, Grain and Oil. Ore/Oil was just that. OBOs had dedicated WB tanks which made them relatively safe. Ore/Oil carriers utilised their WB Wing Tanks for Oil Cargo. It was the Cleaning and subsequent Gas Freeing of these Wing Tanks which Made them a nightmare. I am sure John Cassel will add more.

Any questions Tony? just ask.

Brgds

Bill