Handymax and Supramax are naval architecture terms for the larger bulk carriers in the Handysize class. Handysize class consists of Supramax (50,000 to 60,000 DWT), Handymax (40,000 to 50,000 DWT), and Handy (<40,000 DWT). The ships are used for less voluminous cargos, even allowing for combining different cargos in different holds.

A Handymax ship is typically 150–200 m (492–656 ft) in length, though certain bulk terminal restrictions, such as those in Japan, mean that many Handymax ships are just under 190 meters (623 ft) in overall length. Modern Handymax and Supramax designs are typically 52,000-58,000 t DWT in size, have five cargo holds, and four cranes of 30 tones (33.1 short tons; 29.5 long tons) lifting capacity.[2] The average speed of a vessel varies depends on size and age of vessel.

The cost of building a Handymax is driven by the laws of supply and demand. In early 2007 the cost building a Handymax was around $20,000,000. As the global economy boomed the cost doubled to over $40,000,000, as demand for vessels of all sizes exceeded available yard capacity