Classification of Ships Based on Different Criteria
Depending on specific criteria, maritime transport vessels are categorized into the following groups:
- By cargo type: Cargo ships, passenger ships, combined cargo & passenger ships.
- By level of specialization: Specialized ships, semi-specialized ships.
- By operational range: Domestic ships, international ships; mother ships, feeder ships.
- By cargo handling method: Ships with cargo handling via side loading, ships with cargo handling via ramps.
Types of Maritime Transport Vessels
Depending on cargo characteristics, ship structure, and transportation methods, maritime transport vessels are classified as follows:
1. Container Ship
Container ships are designed according to standardized specifications for size, capacity, and structure. These ships typically have a capacity ranging from 1,000 to 5,000 TEU, enabling them to transport large volumes of goods.
With their fast speed and spacious cargo area, container ships efficiently transport most general cargo.
2. Reefer Ship
Reefer ships are specialized vessels with advanced refrigeration systems to preserve perishable goods such as fruits, vegetables, meat, and seafood.
Like container ships, reefer ships can transport large volumes at high speeds while ensuring cargo safety. Their cargo holds are designed with proper airflow and insulated partitions made of aluminum or alloys to maintain stable temperatures.
This type of vessel is also known as a Refrigerated Ship.
3. General Cargo Vessel
General cargo vessels transport various packaged goods, including boxed, bagged, or loose cargo such as machinery, industrial equipment, and sheet metal.
The advantage of these ships is their versatility in carrying different types of goods. However, they are not optimized for cargo capacity and are unsuitable for specialized goods.
4. Bulk Carrier
Bulk carriers transport unpackaged bulk commodities such as coal, iron ore, grain, sulfur, and scrap metal. These goods are stored directly in the ship's waterproof cargo holds.
Bulk carriers feature reinforced decks, side tanks, and ballast tanks to maintain stability. Their spacious and reinforced cargo holds withstand the impact of bulk cargo during transit.
5. Ro-Ro Ship
Ro-Ro (Roll-on/Roll-off) ships are designed to transport wheeled cargo, including cars, trailers, and railcars.
These ships have ramps located at the stern or sides, allowing vehicles to drive on and off easily. Their enclosed structure ensures optimal cargo protection throughout the journey.
6. Tanker
Tankers are specialized vessels for transporting liquid cargo such as crude oil (Crude Oil Tankers), chemicals (Chemical Tankers), liquefied gas (LPG/LNG), alcohol, and water.
They feature a robust hull and multiple separate storage tanks. Pumps and pipelines installed on the deck facilitate safe and efficient liquid transfer.
7. Logger
Logger ships transport raw logs and processed timber. They have high, reinforced hulls and specialized securing structures to prevent cargo movement during transit.
8. Lighter Aboard Ship (LASH)
LASH vessels consist of a large mother ship carrying smaller barges with a capacity of 500–1,000 tons. These barges, loaded with cargo or containers, are towed from river ports to seaports and then lifted onto the mother ship using cranes, hydraulic lifting systems, or floating methods.
Choosing the Right Ship Type
Selecting an appropriate vessel depends on the nature of the cargo. To ensure efficiency and safety in maritime transport, careful consideration is required when choosing a shipping method.
For detailed information on which vessel suits your cargo best, contact us at Danko Logistics!
