Types of ship in the British merchant fleet
Container Ships
Shipping containers are standard-sized (20, 40 or 45 feet in length) metal boxes that are used to transport some 90% of the world's non-bulk cargo (see Bulk Carriers). Their introduction some 50 years ago has led to major improvements in efficiency throughout the logistics chain - especially in port-handling - and in the reduction of damage and overall cost of transportation.
From standard boxes to refrigerated units and tank containers, containers are used to carry all kinds of food products and manufactured goods, whether for industry or direct to the high street.
A modern container ship emits about a quarter of the CO2 that a container ship did in the 1970's - while carrying up to ten times as many containers. The largest container ship can now carry over 13,000 TEU (20-foot container) - the equivalent of 13,000 lorries not on the motorway in front of you!
Bulk Carriers
Dry bulk cargo is simply cargo that is transported unpacked in large quantities. Easily identified by the large hatches on the decks that cover the cargo holds, bulk carriers carry a huge range of raw materials and manufactured products from coal and iron ore to scrap metal, fertilizer, cement, livestock feed, gravel , peanuts, sugar and seeds.
Tankers
Tankers transport liquid and gaseous products in bulk - from crude oil, petroleum products and chemicals to liquefied natural gas, vegetable oils and fruit juices. Tankers look similar to bulk carriers but the deck does not have hatch covers and there and many pipes, valves and vents.
Increasingly, LNG Carriers (liquefied natural gas) (which keep their gas cargo at temperatures as low as -160°C) supply the UK with the gas to heat our homes, cook our meals and generate our electricity.
Ferries
Ferries usually perform short journeys for a mix of passengers, cars and commerical vehicles. Most of these ships are Ro-Ro (roll on - roll off) ferries, where vehicles can drive straight on and off, making it a speedy and easily accessible way to travel.
Cruise Ships
Cruising grows in popularity every year and the ships have transformed from floating hotels to become large and exciting destinations in their own right as well - almost floating cities! With theatres, cinemas, luxury dining, shopping malls and leisure facilities including swimming pools, gyms and even climbing walls, modern cruise ships provide plenty of activities between and at their ports of call.
Specialist Ships
Ships such as anchor handling and supply vessels are considered to be 'specialist' ships, performing a very specific task in support of other activities. Others include: salvage tugs; ice breakers and research vessels.