Bulk carriers are primarily used to transport which type of cargo?

Bulk carriers are specifically designed for the transportation of loose cargo, often referred to as bulk cargo. This type of cargo is typically characterized by its homogenous nature and can include materials such as grains, coal, ore, and other materials that are transported unpackaged in large quantities.

Bulk carriers have specialized equipment for loading and unloading these loose materials, which differentiates them from other vessels designed to carry different cargo types, such as container ships or roll-on/roll-off ships. By employing a streamlined cargo handling process, bulk carriers maximize efficiency and reduce unloading time, making them particularly suited for commodities that come in large batches.

The other options identify cargo types that require different vessels or methods of transport. Break-bulk cargo refers to goods that must be loaded individually and are not transported in containers, while containerized cargo is carried on container ships designed for transporting freight in shipping containers. Motor vehicles are typically transported using specialized carriers designed for that purpose.