Types of cargo ships

Cargo ships may be of two types: a) dry-cargo ships and b) tankers.

Dry-cargo ships are divided into the following classes: general cargo ships, bulk cargo ships (ore carriers, coal carriers, grain carriers), container's ships, timber carriers; refrigerators.

Tankers usually carry liquid cargoes such as oil products, spirits, wine, fresh water and the like. In some cases the tankers may carry grain and sugar in their tanks. Besides there are special vessels which do auxiliary service. They are tugs for towing ships, salvage vessels, icebreakers, dredgers, barges and lighters, fishing and whaling vessels.

Sea-going vessels are also classed according to the kind of propelling machinery into:
motorvessels, steamships, turbine-driven ships, electric-driven ships (turbine-electric ships and diesel-electric ships) and atomic- driven ships.

Let's consider one of typical vessels and its principal parameters. For example, a typical bulk-carrier usually carries grain, ore and the like bulk cargoes. The ship is divided by seven watertight bulkheads into eight compartments. Cargo handling is accomplished by grabs from 5-ton electric rotating cranes. The holds are closed with Mac-Gregor hatch covers. On board ship there are two lifeboats with manually-operated propeller drive. Each boat has a carrying capacity of 49 men. The living quarters are centrally-heated and air-conditioned. The engine develops 5400 h.p. at 115 r.p.m.

The main parameters are as follows (for example): 

Length ... 139.5 m
Breadth ...18m
Depth ... 10,3 m
Hold capacity ... 12 000 cu. m.
Ore draught (8980 tons) ...8m
Coal draught (8630 tons) ... 7.82 m
Ballast draught:
Forward ... 3.4 m
Aft ... 5.61 m
Operating range ... 6 000 nautical miles
Displacement 4 200 tons
Deadweight... 12 800 tons
Speed .. . 14.3 knots
Crew ... 37

Types of cargo ships in 2024

As of 2024, the maritime industry utilizes a variety of specialized cargo ships designed to transport different types of goods efficiently and safely. Here are the main types of cargo ships in use:

1. Container Ships

• Description: Designed to carry standardized shipping containers. They come in various sizes, from small feeder vessels to Ultra Large Container Vessels (ULCVs).
• Features: Equipped with large holds and reinforced decks to support the weight of containers. They often have advanced loading and unloading systems.
• Usage: Primarily used for intermodal freight transport, where cargo is easily transferred between ships, trucks, and trains.

2. Bulk Carriers

Description: Specifically built to transport unpackaged bulk cargo, such as grains, coal, ore, and cement.

Types:

• Dry Bulk Carriers: For transporting dry goods.
• Liquid Bulk Carriers (Tankers): For transporting liquids like oil, chemicals, and liquefied natural gas (LNG).

Features: Large open holds for dry bulk and specialized tanks for liquid bulk. They often have self-unloading capabilities.

Usage: Essential for the global trade of raw materials.

3. Tankers

Description: Ships designed to transport liquid cargo in bulk.

Types:

• Oil Tankers: For crude oil and petroleum products.
• Chemical Tankers: For chemicals and other hazardous liquids.
• LNG Carriers: For liquefied natural gas.

Features: Contain specialized storage tanks that can maintain temperature and pressure conditions. Often have complex pumping and piping systems.

Usage: Critical for transporting fuels and chemicals globally.

4. General Cargo Ships

• Description: Versatile ships designed to transport various kinds of cargo, including breakbulk cargo that is not in containers.
• Features: Equipped with cranes and other gear for handling a wide variety of cargo. They have multiple decks and holds.
• Usage: Used for transporting goods that are not suitable for containerization.

5. Roll-on/Roll-off (Ro-Ro) Ships

• Description: Designed to carry wheeled cargo, such as cars, trucks, trailers, and heavy machinery.
• Features: Equipped with ramps that allow vehicles to be driven on and off the ship. Some have multiple decks with adjustable heights.
• Usage: Widely used for transporting vehicles and large equipment.

6. Refrigerated Ships (Reefers)

• Description: Ships with temperature-controlled environments designed to transport perishable goods.
• Features: Equipped with refrigerated holds and containers to maintain specific temperatures for cargo such as fruits, vegetables, meat, and fish.
• Usage: Essential for the global trade of perishable and temperature-sensitive goods.

7. Livestock Carriers

• Description: Specialized ships designed to transport live animals.
• Features: Equipped with ventilation systems, feeding and watering arrangements, and pens or stalls for animals.
• Usage: Used for the safe and humane transport of livestock over long distances.

8. Heavy Lift Ships

Description: Designed to carry oversized and heavy cargo that cannot be transported by standard ships.

Types:

• Semi-submersible Ships: Can submerge their decks to load and unload cargo by floating it on and off.
• Dock Ships: Have large open decks and powerful cranes.

Features: Equipped with heavy-duty cranes and reinforced structures.

Usage: Used for transporting heavy machinery, industrial equipment, and large structures like offshore drilling rigs.

9. Multi-purpose Ships

• Description: Versatile vessels capable of carrying different types of cargo simultaneously, including containers, bulk, and breakbulk cargo.
• Features: Flexible cargo holds and handling equipment to accommodate various cargo types.
• Usage: Ideal for routes and regions where diverse cargo types are transported together.

10. Offshore Supply Vessels (OSVs)

• Description: Support ships designed to supply offshore oil and gas platforms.
• Features: Equipped with specialized equipment to transport supplies, personnel, and perform various support roles.
• Usage: Essential for the operation and maintenance of offshore installations.

Emerging Trends and Technologies

• Smart Ships: Equipped with advanced digital technologies for better navigation, fuel efficiency, and cargo management.
• Green Shipping: Focus on environmentally friendly technologies, including alternative fuels (e.g., LNG, hydrogen), and energy-efficient designs to reduce carbon emissions.

These diverse types of cargo ships cater to the varied needs of global trade, ensuring efficient and specialized transportation of goods across the world.