Types of Ships

What is a Ship?
A ship is a large vessel that travels the world's oceans and other sufficiently deep
waterways, carrying cargo or passengers or supporting specialized missions such as
defense, research, and fishing.

Ships are generally determined from boats based on size, shape, load capacity, and
purpose. Currently, more than 50,000+ ships are in operation worldwide, doing
business around the world and carrying 90 percent of all the goods, commodities, and
products that people need.

Today's ships are highly sophisticated, in the form of navigation-controlled bridges and
big engine rooms for the machinery that powers the vessel. Cargo ships have relatively
small units, while cruise ships have a large number of units to assist the passengers.

Modern maritime commercial vessels come in different shapes and sizes and are
designed to carry a wide variety of cargo. Apart from this, there are other ships about
which people are not aware. To understand all this, the main types of ships and their
functions are briefly described in this article. Come on, let's begin.

Checkout: A Complete List of Car Body Parts [Functions] Explained

Types of Ships
Following are the main types of ships that are travel worldwide:

1. Bulk carrier ships

2. Container ships
3. Dredgers
4. Fishing vessels
5. Gas carriers
6. High-speed craft
7. Naval ships
8. Offshore ships
9. Passenger ships
10. Roll-on Roll-Off ships
11. Livestock carriers
12. Heavy life ships
13. Tanker ships
14. Tugs
15. Canoe
16. Yacht

TheEngineersPost.com Page 1
 Types of Ships

17. Hovercraft
18. Submarine
19. Sailboat
20. Barge

Read Also: Basic Car Interior Parts with [Name & Functions] PDF

#1 Bulk Carrier Ships

Bulk carriers are merchant ships used to transport dry cargoes such as grain, coal, ore,
steel coils, cement, etc., in bulk quantities. The first special bulk carriers were built in
1852. Bulk carriers are known for their maximum capacity, safety, efficiency, and
durability.

Despite this, cargo loading operations can vary, and loading and unloading cargo can
take several days. Bulk carriers may be gearless, rely on terminal equipment, or
sometimes fitted with a crane integral to the ship. Nowadays, bulk carriers make up
21% of the world's merchant fleet and are available in size, from single-hold mini-bulk
carriers to giant ore ships.

#2 Container Ships

As the name suggests, these types of ships are specially designed to transport goods in
containers. Container ships carry all their loads in truck-sized intermodal containers in
a technique called containerization.

These are the standard means of commercial

cargo transport and now carry most marine
non-bulk cargo. Generally, these ships are
automated and load and unload with gantry
cranes. Currently, 90% of non-bulk goods
worldwide are transported by container ships.
The rival crude oil tanker is now the most
significant commercial type of container ship.

TheEngineersPost.com Page 2
 Types of Ships

#3 Dredgers

The primary function of a dredger is to remove deposited sediments such as sand, silt,
or gravel from inlet streams, waterways, or the ocean floor. Simply put, these are ships
containing excavation equipment that are used to remove sand and other types of
deposits from the ocean floor.

These ships are used for many purposes, such as navigating shallow coastal areas,
deep-sea mining, etc. Common types of dredgers include simple jet-lift and air-lift,
auger suction, pneumatic and amphibious dredgers.

# 4 Finishing Vessels

As the name implies, a fishing vessel is used for fishing at sea or on a lake or river. A
fishing vessel uses a conical net that traps fish by dragging it through or down the
water. There are many different types and are used in commercial, artistic, and
recreational fishing.

The total number of fishing vessels in the world in 2016 was approximately 4.6 million.
It is difficult to estimate as they range in size from small dinghies to large charter
cruisers and, unlike commercial fishing vessels, are often not dedicated solely to fishing.
Fishing vessels are mainly classified into two types which are trawlers and non-
traveling vessels.

TheEngineersPost.com Page 3
 Types of Ships

#5 Gas Carriers

A gas carrier, also known as an LPG, or LNG carrier, is a vessel designed to transport
LPG, LNG, CNG, or liquefied chemical gases in bulk. They are built to move liquefied
gases at low-temperature pressure between terminals equipped with fully refrigerated
storage tanks. Their great feature is the presence of round tanks above the main deck.

LNG gas carriers differ markedly in that they have large circular tanks on their deck.
They are available in 4 different types of tanks: independent tank, membrane tank,
integral tank, and semi membrane tank. On the other hand, chemical cargo ships have
multiple tanks to protect them from mixing the different substances they carry.

Read Also: What are the Types of Transmission System Used In Vehicle?

#6 High-Speed Craft

High-speed craft uses air pressure to move at high speed over water and has engines
and turbine propellers to move them. These ships were trendy from the time they were
launched and still maintain their popularity.

These types of ships are advanced, high-performance (usually high-speed) marine

vessels designed for civilian use, also known as a fast yachts. Most of these technologies
are not used in commercial ships. Mainly high-speed crafts serve as passenger ferries.

TheEngineersPost.com Page 4
 Types of Ships

#7 Naval Ships

It is a military ship used by the navy. Naval ships are large, heavily armed surface ships
primarily designed to engage enemy forces on the high seas, including various types of
battleships, destroyers, and corvettes.

These are differentiated from civilian ships by construction and purpose. These ships
are damage resistant and equipped with weapon systems, although the armament on
military transport is light or non-existent. They were designed primarily for naval
warfare and are called warships.

#8 Offshore Ships

Offshore ships are mainly used for oil exploration and construction at sea. There are
many types of offshore vessels. In addition, these ships provide transit and respite to
crew personnel to and from the operational areas of the high seas when required.

As noted above, the term offshore vessels is a collective context and include a wide
range of vessels employed in the region of the high seas. These ships are usually 50 to
100 meters (160 to 330 ft) in length and perform various tasks such as logistic support
and transportation of goods, equipment, and equipment.

TheEngineersPost.com Page 5
 Types of Ships

#9 Passenger Ships

Passenger ships are also known as cruise ships primarily for transferring passengers
from one place to another. Unlike the seaplanes used for transportation, cruise ships are
usually used for round-trip voyages to various ports, where passengers can go on tours.

Modern types of passenger ships have less hull strength, speed, and agility than
seagoing ships. Although they have added facilities to cater to water tourists, recent
ships have been described as "floating condominiums laden with balconies". Generally,
cruise ships do two to three nights or more round trips without visiting any port.

#10 Roll-on Roll-Off Ships

Roll-on roll-off ships are types of ships that are used to carry wheeled cargo. Wheeled
cargo is nothing other than cars, motorcycles, trucks, buses, and railroad cars that are
driven on and off a ship, either on their wheels or using a platform vehicle, such as Self-
propelled modular transporter.

Roll-on roll-off ships contrast with lift-on/lift-off (LOLO) ships, which use cranes to
load and unload cargo. RORO ships have either built-in or shore-based ramps or ferry
slips that allow cargo to be rolled on and off the vessel efficiently. The word RORO is
generally used for large ocean-going vessels.

TheEngineersPost.com Page 6
 Types of Ships

Read Also: What is the function of the flywheel in automobile engine?

#11 Livestock Carriers

A livestock carrier is a large vessel used for the live animal export of sheep, cattle, and
goats. These types of ships are typically newly built or converted from container ships.
When transporting livestock, adequate ventilation, food, and water are primary
considerations.

Livestock carriers are needed to carry enough food for the animals during the journey
and enough stock for emergencies. Common livestock carriers have a carrying capacity
of about 30,000 to 40,000 sheep (or 3000 to 4000 head of cattle). Livestock carriers
typically travel the Middle East between Australia and New Zealand.

#12 Heavy Lift Ships

As the name suggests, a heavy-duty ship is a vessel designed to carry heavy industrial
components that regular ships cannot handle. They are huge ships capable of carrying
other ships, large industrial units, floating plants, etc.

For example, these ships transport offshore platforms from their construction sites to
drilling sites. Some are equipped with high-capacity cranes for loading at ports without
the bulky capacity. And some allow the cargo to float in position before the ship lifts the
cargo out of the water.

TheEngineersPost.com Page 7
 Types of Ships

#13 Tanker Ships

Tanker ships are designed to transport large amounts of stored liquids or gases. Tanker
ships are further classified into different types based on the cargo they carry. The main
types include oil tankers, chemical tankers, and gas carriers.

Apart from their applications, these ships also carry commodities such as vegetable oil,
molasses, and alcohol. In the United States Navy, a tanker used to refuel other ships is
called an oiler. Tankers can range in size from several hundred tons in capacity for
long-distance transportation.

#14 Tugs

A tug is a marine vessel that operates other ships by pushing or pulling along a direct
contact or tow line. These boats usually haul vessels that cannot sail well on their own,
such as in crowded harbors or narrow canals.

Modern tugs are highly maneuverable, with pulling power that can exceed 100 tons.
Early tug models had steam engines, while modern ones had diesel engines. Some
types of tugs are sea-going, and some are icebreakers or rescue tugs. Many tugs carry
deluge guns, aiding firefighting, especially harbors.

TheEngineersPost.com Page 8
 Types of Ships

#15 Canoe

A canoe is a light vessel, usually pointed at both ends and opened from above. These
are typically driven by one or more seated or kneeling paddlers facing the direction of
travel and using single-blade paddles.

Currently, canoes are widely used for competition and pleasure, such as racing,
whitewater, touring and camping, freestyle, and general entertainment. Most modern
canoes are molded plastics or composites such as fiberglass or Kevlar or incorporating
graphite. The intended use of canoes is determined by their size, length, and
construction material.

Read Also: What are IC Engines? How does it work?

#16 Yacht

A yacht is a sailing or power vessel used for pleasure, cruising, or racing purposes.
These types of ships have a cabin with facilities that are suitable for overnight use. The
vessel is expected to be at least 33 feet (10 m) in length and may be judged to have good
aesthetic qualities.

These are powered by electrical power, provided by a motor-driven alternator or a

battery recharged by the motor. There are mainly two types of yachts available; Racing
yachts are designed to emphasize performance over comfort, and charter boats are run
as a for-profit business.

TheEngineersPost.com Page 9
 Types of Ships

#17 Hovercraft

A hovercraft is a floating craft capable of traveling over land, water, mud, ice, and other
surfaces. A hovercraft has a skirt to contain air. When the air blower is turned on, this
skirt creates a pocket that traps pressurized air. That pressurized air gives a hovercraft
lift to move forward.

Nowadays, they are used worldwide for disaster relief, Coast Guard, military, survey
applications, and specialized transport for sport or passenger service. As the hovercraft
rises above the surface, there is no friction between the skirt and the ground so that it
can travel smoothly on the land.

#18 Submarine

A submarine, also known as a sub, is a vessel capable of independent operation

underwater. This differs from a submersible, which has limited capability underwater.
Submarines usually have large ballast tanks filled with air that help them float on the
ocean's surface.

At the top of the ballast tank are valves that are opened when the submarine is timed to
submerge. Most large submarines have a cylindrical body with conical ends, usually
located in the middle, which houses communication and sensing equipment as well as
periscopes. Submarines include a wide range of types and capabilities.

TheEngineersPost.com Page 10
 Types of Ships

#19 Sailboat

A sailboat is a boat that is partly or wholly propelled by sails

and smaller than a sailing ship. The forces of the wind on the
sail and the water on the underwater parts of the boat
combine to propel the boat through the water.

When the wind blows across the sails, the aerodynamic lift is
created, much like the wing of an airplane. Some sailboats
have motor propellers, which help propel the sailboat even
when there is no wind.

#20 Barge

A barge is a flat-bottomed boat that runs on a

river and can transport bulk cargo. The barge can
be self-propelled, usually with a slow-rotating
diesel engine and a large-diameter fixed-pitch
propeller.

Draft horses initially pulled the barges on an

adjacent towpath. Some other types of barges
must be pulled by tugs, or pushed by pusher
boats. Compared to towed barges, the pusher
system has improved handling and is more efficient, as the pushing tug becomes part of
the unit, contributing to the movement of the whole.

Wrapping It Up
So now, I expect I’ve covered everything about “types of ships“. If you still have any
doubts or questions on this topic, you can contact us or ask in the comments. If you like
this article then please share it with your friends.

Want free PDFs direct to your inbox? Then subscribe to our newsletter.

You might like to read more articles about machines on our blog:

1. What are the different types of Milling machines?

2. How does a Lathe Machine work? Their Types, Advantages & Disadvantages
3. What is a Drilling machine? Its Types, Operations, and More

TheEngineersPost.com Page 11