Abstract: A pocket dock ship loader is disclosed to include at least one pocket to accommodate dock site storage of bulk material, a first conveyor such as a tripper conveyor for transporting bulk material from an off-dock source to the pocket, a second conveyor such as a shuttle conveyor for transporting the bulk material from the pocket to a drop point above the cargo hatch of a vessel and means for regulating the flow of bulk material from the pocket to the shuttle conveyor, wherein the shuttle conveyor is extensible and retractable between a stowed position and an operating position. The ship loader also incorporates a purge conveyor structure for removing material from the material pockets in anticipation of the loading of different materials on a next subsequent vessel.