Freight Ships: Daily Traffic Count

Freight ships are a common means of commercial intermodal transport, carrying most seagoing non-bulk cargo. In 2022, there were nearly 5,600 container ships serving sea routes worldwide, with the capacity to carry roughly two billion deadweight tons.

A container ship's capacity is measured in twenty-foot equivalent units (TEU). The largest container ships can carry over 24,000 TEU.

A cargo ship's speed is influenced by weather conditions, sea conditions, and tidal currents. Container ships are relatively fast, travelling at around 20 knots (37 km/h), while large cargo ships carrying iron ore or oil travel at 12-15 knots (22-28 km/h).

Container ships carry 90% of non-bulk cargo

Container ships are a common means of commercial intermodal freight transport. They carry most seagoing non-bulk cargo, with about 90% of non-bulk cargo worldwide being transported by them. This is due to the efficiency of containerization, which has reduced shipping time by 84% and costs by 35% compared to traditional break-bulk cargo handling methods.

Container ships are a type of cargo or freight ship. They carry packaged goods, as opposed to bulk cargoes like grain or coal, which are transported unpackaged in the hull of the ship. The method of containerization involves grouping cargo into truck-sized intermodal containers, which are then loaded onto the ship. The containers are typically made of steel, but can also be made of aluminium, fibreglass, or plywood.

The capacity of container ships is measured in twenty-foot equivalent units (TEU). A typical load will consist of a mix of 20-foot (1-TEU) and 40-foot (2-TEU) containers, with the latter being predominant. The largest container ships can carry over 24,000 TEU.

Container ships have become increasingly important in global trade. In 2001, more than 90% of world trade in non-bulk goods was transported in ISO containers. In 2009, almost a quarter of the world's dry cargo was shipped by container, amounting to an estimated 125 million TEU or 1.19 billion tonnes. This is facilitated by the existence of about 50,000 container ships worldwide, which serve sea routes and call at ports of various sizes.

The use of container ships has several advantages. Firstly, they are more efficient than traditional break-bulk cargo handling methods, reducing shipping time and costs. Secondly, they require less manpower and time to handle cargo, resulting in higher profits for shipping companies and more competitive freight rates for consumers. Thirdly, the use of standardised shipping containers makes it easier to load and unload cargo, and enables the use of intermodal transport, allowing for seamless transfers between different modes of transportation such as ship, train, and truck.

Container ships have evolved over time, with improvements in technology, the introduction of cranes, the development of dedicated terminals, and the construction of larger ships. The first container ship, the SS Ideal X, was launched in 1956 and could carry 24 containers (500-800 TEU). Modern container ships, in comparison, can carry over 24,000 TEU. The design of container ships has also been refined to optimise efficiency, with features such as dedicated cargo holds, improved hatch designs, and the use of cell guides to secure containers during transport.

A cargo ship trip can cost between $100 and $130 per person per day

Travelling by Cargo Ship

Cargo cruises are an unconventional way to travel the world. They are not as popular or luxurious as regular cruise ships, but they are a unique and cost-effective alternative. A cargo ship trip can cost between $65 and $130 per person per day, including lodging and meals.

Planning your trip

To book a cargo cruise, you will need to go through a specialist agent or get in touch with a ship's manager. Cargo voyages usually require months of advance planning, and they rarely have set schedules. This means you will need to be flexible with your travel plans.

Onboard experience

Cargo ships are utilitarian boats without stabilisers. They can be very large, so you may not feel the waves. There are lots of stairs, so it's important to hold on to the railings and wear sturdy shoes. The accommodations are spacious and comfortable, similar to those on regular cruise ships. Since cargo ships don't take many passengers, there is plenty of room to spread out.

Entertainment

There is no Wi-Fi, and phone access is limited to a ship's single satellite phone, so bring plenty of books, games, writing materials, or other items to keep you occupied. Most ships also feature a recreation room, bar, and swimming pool, and some even have a sauna and a gym.

Costs

The average cost of a cargo ship voyage is about $100 per day for a single person travelling in a single cabin. It is always more expensive for a single person to book a double cabin, and it is cheaper per person for double occupancy of a double cabin. There are additional charges for deviation insurance and customs, and the fare can vary depending on the owner and route.

A cargo ship trip offers a unique and immersive travel experience at a fraction of the cost of plane tickets or regular cruises. It is a great option for those with a flexible schedule and a sense of adventure.

A cargo ship travels at around 20 knots

Container ships are designed to accommodate the intermodal transport of goods. The hull of a container ship is similar to a huge warehouse, divided into individual holding cells using vertical guide rails. The ship's cells are designed to hold cargo containers, which are typically constructed of steel and are loaded and unloaded using cranes.

The global ocean fleet has expanded over the past decade, with the number of container ships increasing from 4,966 in 2011 to 5,589 in 2022. China, Japan, and South Korea were the world's major shipbuilding nations in 2020. Today, about 50,000 container ships transport about 90% of non-bulk cargo worldwide.

Container ship capacity is measured in twenty-foot equivalent units (TEU). The largest container ships can carry over 24,000 TEU and measure about 400 metres in length. These massive vessels have a cargo capacity equivalent to sixteen to seventeen pre-World War II freighter ships.

The global ocean fleet has nearly 5,600 container ships

The use of containerised transportation has grown exponentially over the past 60 years, with the size and quantity of container ships increasing in response to greater economies of scale and operational efficiency. The capacity of the global container vessel fleet grew by 21% between 2012 and 2015, marking the beginning of the mega-ship age. Bigger ships mean more containers can be moved per voyage, further increasing economies of scale and reducing the number of ships serving certain trade lanes.

The increase in vessel size has been driven by demand for larger container ships and the availability of larger main engines. However, there are limitations to vessel growth, including the availability of ports and terminals equipped to handle ultra-large container ships, as well as maximum ship dimensions for certain waterways like the Suez Canal and the Singapore Strait.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the shipping industry cannot be overlooked. Port closures, labour shortages, and blank sailings disrupted the industry, causing container carriers to struggle with capacity utilisation and ship delays. Despite these challenges, the container shipping industry reported record-high profits of around $208 billion in 2022, nearly double the profit in 2021.

Cargo ships have carried everything from fire engines to apples

Cargo ships are the most common mode of sea freight transport, with about 5,600 container ships serving sea routes worldwide in 2022. They are used to transport most of the world's freight, carrying 90% of non-bulk cargo.

The cargo carried by these ships varies greatly, from unpackaged goods like grain and coal to manufactured goods and vehicles. Some cargo ships are even designed to transport live animals or very heavy loads such as industrial machinery.

Container ships, also known as box ships, are large vessels that carry standardised containers. These containers come in various sizes, including 10ft, 20ft, 40ft, 45ft, High Cube, Open Top, Flat Rack, and Garments on Hanger (GOH). Container ships are highly automated, and newer models emit zero emissions.

General cargo ships carry packaged goods but do not have space for containers. They use their own built-in cranes for loading and unloading.

Bulk carriers are designed to carry unpackaged goods in large volumes. They transport goods such as fertilisers, grain, ore, coal, machinery, wood, and other raw materials.

Roll-on/roll-off vessels, or Ro-Ro ships, are designed for wheeled cargo that can be loaded and unloaded using ramps and platforms. These ships carry vehicles such as cars, trucks, buses, and industrial equipment.

Other types of cargo ships include refrigerated cargo ships, oil tankers, liquefied gas tankers, chemical tankers, livestock carriers, and multi-purpose vessels.

With such a wide range of cargo capabilities, it is no surprise that cargo ships have carried everything from fire engines to apples.

Frequently asked questions