Different Types of Ships Used in Global Trade

Global trade relies on cargo ships, which are one of the most viable options for facilitating international commerce. About 90% of world trade happens by moving cargo through the sea. Marine transportation connects different economies and facilitates the movement of goods from one country to another. Ships are the primary vessel choice for this kind of trade.  Several types of ships are available based on the cargo, the routes, the size, and the operational demands. In this article, we will explore the different types of ships used in global trade and their significance. What Is the Difference Between a Vessel and a Ship? A vessel is basically anything that can float and be steered either on its own or by any other means. On the other hand, a ship is a vessel that mainly transports cargo in order to make profits. How Many Types of Ships Are There? Several types of ships are used for global trade, depending on the requirements of the trade. Below are 11 types of vessel ships that are primarily used. 1. Bulk Carriers Bulk carriers, also called bulkers, are ships used to transport cargo that is usually unpacked, such as grains, salt, iron ore, coal, and cement. They are available in different sizes, including Handysize, Panamax, Capesize, and Supramax. These ships seamlessly transport bulk cargo from one continent to another. 2. Oil Tankers Oil tankers are ships that carry liquid cargo (mainly oil). They are vital for global trade as they help supply crude oil and petroleum products to different parts of the world. Oil tankers are constructed with a double hull for safety.  Also, considering the cargo they hold, several advanced systems monitor the temperature and pressure of the cargo. Oil tankers come in different sizes: Aframax, Suezmax, VLCC (Very Large Crude Carrier), and ULCC (Ultra Large Crude Carrier). 3. Container Ships As the name suggests, this ship transports cargo containers. Container ships are the most used ships for global trade as they help move goods across various carriers. Container ships come in various sizes, such as feeder vessels, Panamax, Post-Panamax, and ULVC (Ultra Large Container Vessel). 4. Ro-Ro (Roll-On/Roll-Off) Ships Ro-Ro ships are mostly used to transport automobiles and machinery and are hence quite in demand by these industries. This type of vessel has multiple decks to optimise storage capacity for wheeled cargo like cars and trucks. Also, ramps are built on these ships for easy unloading and loading. 5. Chemical and Gas Tankers Chemical and gas tankers transport liquid chemicals and liquified gases like LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) and LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas). The tanks on these ships are created with special materials to avoid contamination. Different automated systems regulate the temperature and pressure on the ship. 6. Refrigerated Ships (Reefers) Reefer ships are the most suitable transport option for perishable products like seafood, fruits, vegetables, and pharmaceuticals. These ships have temperature-controlled compartments to keep the contents fresh. The hulls are reinforced, and the ships also have advanced cooling systems. 7. Offshore Support Vessels (OSVs) OSVs are perfect for offshore oil and gas operations. These vessels are needed to support drilling rigs and production platforms in water bodies. OSVs come in different types, such as Platform Support Vessels (PSVs), Anchor Handling Tug Supply Vessels (AHTS), and Emergency Response and Rescue Vessels (ERRVs). 8. General Cargo Ships General cargo ships transport goods that cannot be transported in container ships because they are not bulky enough or cannot be put into container ships. Cargo handling on these ships is made possible with the help of derricks and cranes. Since a variety of goods are transported on these vehicles, these ships have flexible storage.  9. Fishing Vessels As the name suggests, fishing vessels are primarily used for catching and transporting fish and other seafood. There are different types of fishing vessels, such as Trawlers, Purse Seiners, and Longliners. Fishing vessels facilitate the trade of seafood on a global level.  10. Heavy-lift and Specialised Ships These ships are different from other ships and vessels as they cater to customised operational needs. Livestock carriers transport live animals; Cable-laying ships install cable underwater for telecommunication, and Heavy-Lift ships transport extremely heavy cargo, such as industrial machines. 11. Merchant Ships Merchant ships transport necessary products such as clothing, food, raw materials, and even people from one place to another.  Significance of Ships in Global Trade Without ships, global trade wouldn't have grown so much. Several reasons make ships the ultimate choice to facilitate global trade on such a large scale. The reasons are as follows: Global trade via shipping is far more cost-effective and economical than transporting freight via air. It is also more secure. Additionally, the volume that can be transported via ships is much greater compared to air freight. The wide variety of ships and vessels ensures that every product, whether food, fragile goods, livestock, liquid, or gas, can be transported hassle-free. Ships have enabled trade between different countries and continents, boosting economic growth. Global trade has also created several employment opportunities. With new technologies in place, special ships are designed to transport cargo without brutally impacting the environment.  There are various benefits to using ships for global trade. However, several challenges are also present, such as piracy risks in high-risk areas like the Gulf of Aden. Also, the boom in global trade leads to ports being congested, which slows down the supply chain for different organisations. On the plus side, the future does seem bright with the possibility of AI-driven logistics and autonomous ships that can revolutionise the shipping industry in more ways than one. Related read-: 10 Best Cargo Companies in India for Hassle-Free Shipping Conclusion The different varieties of ships have fostered global trade and economic growth around the world. To cater to the demands of transporting different types of goods, several types of ships are designed to carry cargo across the globe. From bulk carriers and container ships to gas and oil tankers and specialised ships, there is nothing in the world that cannot be transported on a global level. Global trade via ships is economical and also ensures cargo is safely transported. Also check - Different Types of Cargo and Their Importance in Shipping FAQs About Ships Used in Global Trade How is an oil tanker different from a chemical tanker?An oil tanker carries crude oil and petroleum products. On the other hand, chemical tankers are known to carry hazardous liquids and chemicals. However, both have temperature and pressure regulation containers to avoid mishaps.What are Ro-Ro ships?Ro-Ro ships, also known as Roll-On/Roll-Off ships, transport wheeled cargo, including cars, machinery and trucks. The cargo is directly wheeled onto the ship without the help of cranes and forklifts.Does digitalisation impact the shipping industry?Yes, due to digitalisation, it has become possible to improve tracking and communication, leading to better trade between continents.What is the role of a reefer ship?Reefer ships or refrigerated ships are essential for the trade and transportation of perishable products. The conditions on the ship keep the products fresh for a long time, making global trade of such products possible.Does a merchant ship carry people?Yes, merchant ships are versatile ships that carry a wide variety of goods and people. Thanks to various features, such as specially designed ships and merchant vessel tracking, people are safer on merchant ships.

May 16, 2025