An Exporters Guide To Cargo Ships

Container ships transport the majority of the world's cargo. They differ in size, which influences where they may or may not transit. Plus, there are different types of ships that traverse the seas too.

A cargo ship is also classified on the type of cargo they hold and the way the cargo is loaded. This post takes a quick look at the different types of cargo ships for shipping.

General Cargo & Break-Bulk Cargo Vessel

One of the oldest ways of transporting goods via the seas. Cargo ships and bulk cargo vessels can host a variety of different items. These items need to be packaged and loaded individually into boxes, crates or barrels, and these are then generally referred to as general or break-bulk cargo.

Tankers

These cargo ships transport liquid cargo. Typically oil and gas. Tank ships can also transport chemicals or foodstuffs. They are among the largest ships on the earth.

Roll-On/Roll-Off Vessels

Roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) vessels have ramps that allow vehicles (cars, trucks, etc.) to be loaded and unloaded by, well, as you probably have guessed, rolling.

Multi-Purpose Vessels

As the name implies, these vessels accommodate various cargo types: one can be outfitted with both ISO container bays and ramps for RoRo freight, while another can be outfitted to receive both liquid and dry bulk cargo.

Refrigerated/Reefer Containers

Refrigerated ships are temperature-controlled and ideal for transporting perishable cargo. While reefer containers provide continuous environment control and temperature monitoring from door to door, they are nonetheless commonly utilised for perishable commodities.

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