BusinessSeptember 1, 2026

ultramax

UL-truh-maks

Definition

A specific class of dry bulk carrier vessels, typically ranging between 60,000 and 65,000 deadweight tonnage, designed for versatility and efficiency.

Etymology

The term is a portmanteau derived from the prefix 'ultra-' (meaning beyond or extreme) and 'max' (short for maximum), used in maritime terminology to describe vessels optimized for the maximum possible size within specific port or canal infrastructure constraints.

In the news

The article identifies the Maria Topic as an ultramax bulk carrier, highlighting that this specific ship size is suitable for the commercial-scale application of wind propulsion technology.

OceanWings rigid wingsail installation completed aboard bulker

Read the full article ↗

Shipping Telegraph

Related words

Learn words like this every day

Meet new words every morning.

Newspoken pulls carefully chosen words from the day’s news — with clear definitions, context, and light review that makes them stick. Get it on your phone.