Different Types and Sub-Types of Merchant Ships

Summary

This video explores the diverse world of merchant ships, also known as commercial or trading vessels, highlighting their classification based on the type of cargo or passengers they carry. It explains the two main categories: passenger ships, including cruise ships, expedition vessels, ferries, and high-speed crafts; and cargo ships, divided into dry cargo ships like bulk carriers, container ships, and livestock carriers, as well as liquid bulk carriers or tankers such as crude oil, chemical, and gas tankers. The video also touches on river and canal vessels like barges, offering a comprehensive overview of the ships that traverse oceans, rivers, and canals worldwide.

Takeaways

• 🚢 Merchant ships, also known as commercial or trading vessels, transport cargo or passengers across oceans, seas, rivers, and canals.
• 👥 Passenger ships carry more than 12 passengers and are one of the two main types of merchant ships.
• 🛳️ Subtypes of passenger ships include cruise ships, expedition cruise ships, river cruise ships, ocean liners, RoPax vessels, ferries, and high-speed crafts.
• 📦 Cargo ships are vessels that do not carry passengers and are classified based on the type of cargo they transport.
• 🌾 Dry cargo ships include bulk carriers, general cargo ships, container ships, reefer ships, heavy lift ships, RoRo vessels, livestock carriers, UB ships, and log ships.
• 🛢️ Liquid cargo ships, also known as tankers, include crude oil carriers, product tankers, chemical tankers, oil-chemical tankers, gas tankers, and dedicated carriers.
• 🛶 River and canal vessels, such as barges, carry dry or wet cargo including chemicals and are often overlooked in merchant shipping discussions.
• ⚓ RoPax vessels combine the features of cargo and passenger ships, allowing limited passenger transport along with vehicles or cargo.
• ❄️ Reefer ships and dedicated carriers specialize in specific types of cargo, such as perishable goods or single-product transport.
• 🌍 Different merchant ship types are designed to meet specific needs like speed, luxury, cargo type, and navigation environment (rivers, canals, oceans).

Q & A

What are the two main types of merchant ships according to the transcript?

The two main types of merchant ships are passenger ships and cargo ships.

How are passenger ships defined in terms of the number of passengers they carry?

Passenger ships are defined as vessels that carry more than 12 passengers.

What is the primary purpose of cruise ships?

Cruise ships are designed to provide passengers with luxurious experiences and valuable amenities.

What distinguishes expedition cruise ships from regular cruise ships?

Expedition cruise ships are built for adventure travel and are designed to navigate remote regions such as the Arctic, Antarctica, or the Galapagos Islands.

What are the main categories of cargo ships?

Cargo ships are mainly divided into dry cargo ships and liquid bulk carriers (tankers).

What types of goods do bulk carriers transport?

Bulk carriers transport loose bulk cargo such as grain, coal, and similar commodities.

What is the difference between container ships and general cargo ships?

Container ships carry cargo in containers or boxes, while general cargo ships (multi-purpose vessels) can transport a wide variety of goods that do not fit into specific categories.

What is unique about RoRo vessels compared to other cargo ships?

RoRo vessels use wide ramps at their sterns to allow wheeled and non-wheeled cargo to roll on and off the ship efficiently.

What types of cargo do liquid bulk carriers transport?

Liquid bulk carriers, also known as tankers, transport crude oil, refined petroleum products, liquid chemicals, liquefied gases, and sometimes a combination of these in specialized ships.

What are barges, and where are they commonly used?

Barges are flat-bottom vessels with long decks that carry dry or wet cargo, including chemicals, and are commonly used in rivers and canals.

What are dedicated carriers, and can you give examples?

Dedicated carriers are ships designed to carry a single type of cargo throughout their lifetime. Examples include fruit juice carriers, orange tankers, and dedicated wine carriers.

Which passenger ship type focuses on speed rather than luxury for transoceanic voyages?

Ocean liners are designed primarily for transoceanic voyages, prioritizing speed over luxury.