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Ships are large boats that are used to carry cargo, and people from one place to another in huge quantities. These were the only two tasks that ships had around a century ago, but with the advancement in technology, we could see new ships that are designed for a special purpose, such as ice breakers, bulk carriers, and so on.Â
Earth has almost 71% of its area covered in ocean water, and hence, shipping has become a great way to transfer cargo, amenities, or even persons from one place to another. To fulfill these roles, various types of ships are specifically designed for different tasks. Let’s take a look at the different types of ships that make our lives easier.Â
There are many types of ships, each designed for specific purposes, and they all play an important role in different industries. For example, cargo ships carry goods, while tankers transport liquids like oil. Similarly, container ships move containers, and passenger ships, such as cruise liners, take people on trips. In addition, fishing vessels help catch seafood, and naval ships, like destroyers, are used for defense.
Cruise ships are large passenger ships designed for vacation travel. They offer a luxurious experience with features like comfortable cabins, restaurants, pools, entertainment shows, and even shopping areas. These ships travel to beautiful destinations, allowing passengers to relax and enjoy activities both on board and at various ports.
Naval ships are military vessels used by a country’s navy to protect its waters and support defense operations. They are equipped with advanced weapons, radar systems, and communication tools. Naval ships serve various purposes, such as patrolling, combat, rescue missions, and transporting troops or supplies. Examples include aircraft carriers, submarines, and destroyers.
Icebreakers navigate through frozen waters, clearing paths for other ships. Their reinforced hulls make them essential in polar regions.
Dredgers are used to clear sediments from waterways, ensuring safe navigation for larger vessels.
Dredgers are used to clear sediments from waterways, ensuring safe navigation for larger vessels.
In the Merchant Navy, ships are used to carry cargo via seaways to long distances mostly from one country to another in huge quantities. The cargo that is carried in ships varies from solid cargo such as coal, grains, sugars, cements to liquid (crude oils, chemicals, vegetable oil) and gaseous cargo such as LPG and LNG.
To carry cargo, there are various types of ships in the merchant navy. Different types of ships carry different types of cargo. Let’s take a look at different types of ships for cargo.Â
Bulk carriers as the name suggests carry the cargo in bulk from one place to another. The bulk carriers generally carry dry cargo such as coal, grains, sugars, cement, etc.Â
These ships have huge compartments (holds) to store the cargo and to keep them safe from water and weather.Â
Types of Bulk Carriers
Later these ships are further divided into various sizes such as handysize, panamax, capesize, etc.Â
Container ships are used to carry goods in large containers and are very important for global trade. They are built for safety and to hold many items. Also, they run on set schedules, making them reliable. They can transport all kinds of products, like electronics, clothes, and machinery.
These types of ships carry liquid cargo such as crude oils, chemicals, vegetable oils, LPG, and LNG in liquid forms. Apart from the cargo they carry, tankers are also divided based on their size such as:
RO-RO stands for “Roll-On/Roll-Off.” These ships are specially designed to carry vehicles like cars, bikes, and trucks. The name comes from how the cargo is loaded and unloaded—vehicles simply roll on and roll off the ship using a foldable ramp.Â
There are different types of ro-ro ships such as:
These are small container ships generally used to carry containers through inland ports. Feeders class ships can carry up to 2000 TEU containers.Â
Feedermax ships are medium-sized container ships that move goods between smaller ports and big shipping hubs. They can carry up to 3000 TEU containers.Â
Panamax-size ships are those ships that can fit through the Panaman Canall. The maximum capacity of these ships is up to 5000 TEU.Â
Ultra Large Container Vessels are ships that carry well over 14,000 TEU of containers. These ships generally carry cargo over long distances.
Tanker ships also come in various types and sizes, here we will discuss the types of tanker ships based on the cargo they carry.Â
Crude oil tankers are ships designed to transport unrefined oil from oil fields to refineries. They are built to carry massive quantities safely across oceans.Â
Product tankers carry refined petroleum products like gasoline, diesel, or jet fuel. These ships are generally smaller than crude oil carriers.Â
Chemical tankers transport liquid chemicals, acids, and other hazardous substances. They are equipped with special tanks to prevent contamination and ensure safe handling.
LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) and LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) tankers are built to carry gas in a liquefied state at very low temperatures. They have insulated tanks to maintain the required temperature.
Edible oil tankers are designed to transport cooking oils like palm oil, sunflower oil, or soybean oil. These ships have specialized tanks to keep the oils fresh and free from contamination.
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There are various types of ships such as cargo ships, cruise ships, special purpose vessels, and naval ships.
Bulk carriers, container ships, oil tankers, LPG & LNG carriers, Ro-Ro vessels, chemical tankers, livestock carriers, and reefer ships.
The 3 main parts of ships are the hull, the engine, and the bridge.
Ships are classified according to their size so as to categorize requirements, sea routes, and purpose based on their size.Â
MSC Irina is the largest ship with 399.9 m in length and 61.3m in width.Â
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