A Guide to the Different Types of Cargo Ships and the Freight They Carry

If you've ever purchased something online or bought an imported product, chances are it was shipped to you via a cargo ship. In fact, data from the World Trade Organization shows that a staggering 80% of global trade by volume and 70% by value is transported by sea.

But not all cargo ships are created equal - there are actually 8 different categories based on the types of loads they carry. In this article, we'll explore the various types of cargo ships and how they play a vital role in the global trade industry.

Container Ships

Container ships are vessels that are specifically designed to transport cargo in shipping containers. These large ships are capable of carrying thousands of standard-sized containers, which are typically loaded and unloaded using specialized equipment at the port, such as gantry cranes.

One of the main advantages of using container ships for transporting goods is that they provide a fast and efficient way to move large quantities of cargo over long distances. The use of shipping containers also makes it easier to track the movement of goods and to ensure that they are handled properly during transportation.

Container ships handle the majority of international dry load transport, which includes a wide range of goods that are not perishable or hazardous. This means that container ships are responsible for over half of all ocean trade. They are adapted to transport standard containers based on ISO regulations, which define the dimensions and other technical characteristics of shipping containers.

Container ships are often automated, with the use of technology and systems to assist with loading and unloading operations. This can help to reduce the time and labor required for these tasks, enabling the ships to operate more efficiently.

General Cargo Ships

General cargo ships, also known as breakbulk cargo ships, are vessels that are designed to carry a wide range of non-containerized goods, such as machinery, building materials, vehicles, and other types of dry cargo. They are typically smaller than container ships and are able to access ports that may not have the infrastructure to handle larger container vessels.

One of the main features of general cargo ships is that they have built-in cranes for loading and unloading operations at ports. These cranes are used to lift the individual items of cargo onto and off the ship. This is in contrast to container ships, which rely on specialized equipment at the port, such as gantry cranes, to load and unload containers.

General cargo ships can be found operating on a variety of trade routes around the world, transporting goods to and from ports in different regions. They are often used to transport goods that are not suited for containerization or that are too large or bulky to fit in a standard shipping container.

Bulk Carrier Ships

Bulk carriers are ships that are specifically designed to transport large quantities of a dry non-packed bulk cargo, such as grains, coal, iron ore, and other types of dry bulk goods. These ships are characterized by their large, open holds, which are designed to hold a large volume of cargo.

One of the main advantages of using bulk carriers for transporting goods is their ability to carry large quantities of a single type of cargo at a time. This makes them especially cost-effective for transporting commodity goods, such as grains, coal, and iron ore, which are often shipped in large quantities.

Bulk carriers are equipped with specialized loading and unloading equipment, such as spoon-shaped cranes, which are used to load and unload the cargo. They also have areas on their decks that are designed specifically for this activity.

Tankers Ships

Tankers are specialized ships that are designed for the transport of liquid cargoes in large quantities. These cargoes can include petroleum products, such as oil and gas, as well as chemicals, wine, juice, and other types of liquid goods.

Tankers are further divided into different types based on the specific type of cargo they carry. Some examples of the different types of tankers include:

1. Oil tankers: These ships are used to transport raw oil and its by-products. They are typically very large vessels, with the capacity to hold up to two million barrels of oil.

2. Liquefied gas tankers: These ships are used to transport LPG (liquid petroleum gas), LNG (liquid natural gas), or other types of liquefied chemical gases.

3. Chemical and product tankers: These ships transport chemicals and other liquid products. They often have multiple tanks to prevent the mixing of different substances.

4. Other types of tankers: These may include ships that are used to transport juice, wine, and other types of liquid goods.

Tankers play a vital role in the global shipping industry, enabling the efficient transportation of large quantities of liquid cargoes to meet the needs of businesses and consumers around the world.

Reefer Ships

Reefer vessels, also known as refrigerated cargo ships or reefer ships, are specialized ships that are used to transport perishable goods, such as fresh produce, frozen foods, and other types of goods that require a controlled environment to maintain their quality.

These ships are equipped with refrigerated holds or containers that are designed to maintain a very low temperature in order to keep the goods fresh during transportation.

One of the main advantages of using reefer vessels for transporting perishable goods is that they allow the goods to be transported over long distances without spoiling. This is especially important for goods that are sensitive to temperature changes, such as fresh produce and frozen foods.

Reefer vessels typically have between three and five holds, depending on the size of the ship and the amount of cargo being transported. These holds are equipped with refrigeration systems that are designed to maintain the desired temperature for the specific type of goods being transported.

Roll-on/roll-off ships

RO/RO ships, also known as roll-on/roll-off ships or ferries, are vessels that are designed to transport wheeled vehicles, such as cars, trucks, trailers, and other types of vehicles. These ships have ramps or doors that allow the vehicles to be driven on and off the ship, making it easy to load and unload the cargo.

RO/RO ships are often used for the transportation of vehicles for long distance trips, such as for shipping vehicles to other countries. They can also be used to transport other types of wheeled cargo, such as construction equipment or military vehicles.

One of the main advantages of using RO/RO ships for transporting vehicles and other types of wheeled cargo is that they provide a quick and efficient way to move large quantities of cargo over long distances. These ships are also designed to protect the vehicles and freight from damage during transportation, ensuring that the cargo arrives at its destination in good condition.

Overall, RO/RO ships play a vital role in the global shipping industry, enabling the transportation of a wide range of wheeled cargo to meet the needs of businesses and consumers around the world.

Livestock Ships

Livestock vessels are specialized ships that are used to transport live animals, such as cattle, sheep, pigs, and other types of livestock. These ships are designed to provide the necessary care and conditions for the animals during transportation, including food, water, and ventilation.

Livestock vessels typically have special areas for feeding and watering the animals, as well as accommodations for the crew that is responsible for caring for the animals during the voyage. Some ships may have open-air corrals or other outdoor areas for the animals, while others may have fully enclosed holds.

The transportation of live animals by sea is a complex and sensitive process, as it is important to ensure the health and well-being of the animals during the voyage. As such, livestock vessels are subject to strict regulations and guidelines to ensure that the animals are treated humanely and are provided with the necessary care and facilities during transportation.

Tramp Ships

Tramp ships, also known as trampers, are ships that do not operate on a fixed schedule or route. Instead, they are chartered by various users to transport goods or passengers on an as-needed basis. These ships are typically owned and operated by smaller shipping companies that do not have a large enough fleet to arrange liner voyages.

Tramp ships are flexible and can go to any port that has cargo to be shipped, making them a useful option for transporting goods to less-frequent ports of call. They are often used to transport a wide range of non-containerized goods, such as machinery, building materials, and other types of dry cargo.

Tramp ships do not charge a fixed price for their services, but rather negotiate the terms of their charter with each individual customer. They may also carry passengers on some voyages, depending on the needs of the customer.

If you found this article useful, be sure to subscribe to receive similar content in the future.