Bulk carriers, container vessels and tankers are the three largest groups of vessels within the merchant fleet and, therefore, this market segment deserves great attention. The purpose of this paper – dealing with bulk carrier sizes above 5,000 dwt, and based on an analysis of bulk carriers built/ordered over the last eight years – is to illustrate the latest ship particulars used for modern bulk carriers, and determine their impact on the propulsion power demand and main engine choice, using the latest MAN B&W two-stroke engine programme as the basis.