A fairly new breed of bulk carrier is becoming popular in the Asian dry cargo market by promising more savings for charterers and shipowners thanks to higher carrying capacity and fuel efficiency, according to trade and industry sources cited in a Platts analysis. Launched in 2011, the Ultramax class bulker carrier -- designed to carry bulk cargoes including coal, iron ore, grain and cement -- is now preferred by coal traders and shipowners for its low hire and operating costs.