What types of ships exist in international freight transportation?

Qué es un contenedor Reefer y qué transporta

Every day, import and export companies face the challenge of selecting the most efficient and secure transportation method for their goods.

Imagine sending a valuable shipment of products without knowing the available options, only to discover too late that the decision was not the best one. Add to this delays, damages, and losses that affect your business, customer satisfaction, and your reputation in the market.

How can you avoid these problems?

At KENSA Logistics, we are experts in maritime logistics and understand the complexity of this choice. Therefore, we offer you a comprehensive guide on the ships available in the market, their characteristics, and the advantages they provide for each type of cargo.

So, read the full article now and discover the world of possibilities we offer for your business.

What is a cargo ship?

A cargo ship is a vessel designed to transport materials across oceans and seas. They have become a fundamental part of international trade, facilitating the movement of products between different countries and continents.

They specialize in different types of goods, each adapted for a specific purpose. Among the most common are bulk carriers, which are essential for transporting large volumes of unpackaged materials such as metallic minerals, fertilizers, coal, grains, and more.

Typically, these ships are equipped with advanced navigation systems, such as GPS and radar, to ensure a precise and safe journey on the high seas. They also have cranes, conveyor belts, and other specialized equipment to load and unload the cargo at the ports of origin and destination.

Types of cargo ships for maritime transportation

There are different types of ships used for maritime transportation. The most common include:

Container Ships: Essentially, these are merchant vessels designed to transport large quantities of standardized containers on intercontinental routes. Due to their colossal dimensions, they have the capacity to carry between 10,000 and 24,000 TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units).

These ships are built according to ISO (International Organization for Standardization) standards and come in various sizes such as 10, 20, 40, and 45 feet. They include specific models such as High Cube (taller), Open Top (open at the top), Flat Rack (without sides), platform types, garment hangers, and reefer or refrigerated containers.

Their loading and unloading operation system is a logistical spectacle, especially the cranes that position the containers in their designated locations, ensuring the safety and efficiency of the transport.

General Cargo Ships: Also known as General Cargo Vessels (GCVs), these vessels are designed to transport non-standardized cargo or goods that cannot be accommodated in containers.

They are characterized by their large holds and various hatch configurations, allowing them to handle a wide range of products, from machinery and vehicles to aircraft parts or construction materials.

Another feature is that they have integrated cranes. This helps perform loading and unloading operations independently at both the origin and destination ports, without needing port infrastructure.

Bulk Carriers: These are vessels intended for transporting large volumes of bulk cargo, such as coal, iron ore, grains, bauxite, cement, and other similar materials.

Their capacity varies from a few metric tons to over 300,000, making them an efficient option for transporting enormous quantities of goods.

Ro-Ro Ships: The term "Ro-Ro" refers to "Roll on - Roll off," a method of loading and unloading vehicles and machinery on specialized ships. In this system, units are driven directly onto (Roll on) and off (Roll off) the ship.

These vessels are designed to transport rolling cargo, such as cars, trucks, trailers, and heavy machinery. They are characterized by the ease of loading and unloading directly onto the ship using ramps or cranes.

There are several types of Ro-Ro ships, each adapted to different needs and types of cargo:

PCTC (Pure Car and Truck Carrier): Specialized in transporting cars, trucks, and other vehicles.
Mixed Cargo Ro-Ro: Capable of transporting both vehicles and general cargo.
RoPax: Combine the capacity to carry vehicles and rolling cargo with the ability to transport passengers, providing a comprehensive solution for routes that require both services.

Car Carrier: This type of vessel is designed to transport many vehicles, either in containers or directly on the ship's deck. It features multiple ramps that allow for quick and efficient loading and unloading. The capacity ranges from a few hundred to several thousand units, depending on the ship's size.
Refrigerated Ships: Also known as reefers, these play a key role in maritime transport by facilitating the movement of perishable goods. They are equipped with advanced systems that ensure products like food, medicine, and other sensitive goods reach their destination in optimal condition.

In addition to temperature control, which ranges from -20°C to +30°C, they focus on managing humidity and ventilation in the holds, two important factors in preserving the freshness of fruits and vegetables.

Moreover, their structure includes effective thermal insulation that minimizes cold loss and optimizes energy consumption even in extreme weather conditions. Another notable feature is their white color, which repels solar rays, reducing hull heating and preserving cargo sensitive to high temperatures.

Speed is another fundamental factor, as, due to the perishable nature of the cargo, these ships achieve high speeds to shorten transit times.

Tankers: These are called tankers and are used to transport crude or refined oil from production points to consumer markets worldwide. Their capacity varies depending on the size and type, from small coastal tankers to massive supertankers that can carry hundreds of thousands of tons of oil. Due to their colossal dimensions, they often anchor in open waters rather than conventional ports.
Liquefied Gas Carriers: These vessels play a significant role in global logistics by facilitating the safe transport of liquefied natural gas (LNG) and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).

One of their characteristics is that they are built with special materials and advanced technology to ensure safety during loading, transport, and unloading.

Their design includes spherical tanks specifically designed to operate at high pressure and, in many cases, low temperatures. These tanks are located on the ship's deck and ensure that the gases remain in a liquid state during transport, which is essential for safe handling and storage.

Chemical Tankers: These ships specialize in transporting liquid chemicals such as acids, solvents, fuels, oils, and other hazardous liquids.

They are built with resistant materials and advanced containment systems to protect against leaks or contamination. Their design includes separate compartments and lined cargo tanks for different types of products, ensuring the segregation and safety of these during the sea voyage.

Livestock Carriers: Designed for the safe and efficient transport of live animals over long distances, these ships ensure the well-being and health of the animals throughout the journey. They are equipped with special facilities to provide adequate space, ventilation, food, and water.
Heavy Lift Ships: These vessels are distinguished by their ability to transport loads that far exceed the capabilities of conventional ships. This is achieved thanks to their specialized design, which includes a reinforced structure and crane or rigging systems that allow for the efficient loading and unloading of heavy goods.

The versatility of these ships makes them ideal for a wide range of industries, including energy, construction, mining, engineering, and many others.

What are bulk carriers and the three types that exist?

Bulk carriers are specialized vessels for transporting bulk cargo, that is, products stored, handled, and transported unpackaged, in large quantities, and without packaging.

There are different types, each designed for specific cargo. The most common are:

Dry Bulk Carriers: Their design allows them to adapt to a wide variety of dry products such as cereals, coal, minerals, cement, and forestry products. These ships are further divided into three subcategories:
Panamax: Ideal for navigating through the Panama Canal, they have specific dimensions and a cargo capacity ranging from 60,000 to 80,000 deadweight tons (DWT).
Handymax: Smaller than Panamax, with a capacity ranging from 35,000 to 60,000 DWT. They are versatile and can access many ports due to their compact size.
Capesize: The largest of the three subcategories, with a capacity exceeding 80,000 DWT. These vessels are suitable for long-distance bulk cargo transportation on transoceanic routes.
Liquid Bulk Carriers: Specialized in transporting bulk liquids such as crude oil and its derivatives, including gasoline, diesel, and lubricating oil.

They are divided into three subcategories:

Tankers: Used to transport crude oil and its derivatives.
Chemical Tankers: Specialized in carrying a wide range of chemical products, including acids and liquefied gases.
Tanker Trucks: Transport finished liquid products such as gasoline, diesel, and food items.
Gas Carriers: These ships are designed to handle natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), liquefied natural gas (LNG), and compressed natural gas (CNG) safely and efficiently.

Depending on the type of gas being transported, they are equipped with cryogenic or pressurized tanks, as well as advanced refrigeration and safety systems to maintain the cargo in safe conditions.

What is the difference between a bulk carrier and a tanker?

Although both vessels share the purpose of transporting cargo, they differ in several aspects.

Firstly, a bulk carrier is characterized by its capacity to carry large quantities of solid bulk products, such as cereals, minerals, and coal. Its internal structure is designed with spacious compartments that allow for efficient cargo storage.

On the other hand, a tanker is designed for bulk liquids, focusing on products like crude oil, gasoline, and diesel. Its structure includes special tanks that ensure the safety and stability of the merchandise.

Regarding the loading and unloading process, the bulk carrier uses cranes and conveyor belts to handle and move solid products efficiently. In contrast, the tanker uses pumping systems and pipes to load and unload liquids from its storage tanks.

In terms of routes and destinations, bulk carriers usually operate on regional routes and areas that require only bulk materials. Meanwhile, tankers tend to navigate on long-range international routes.

Additionally, due to the nature of their cargo, tankers are subject to stricter environmental regulations to prevent spills and water contamination, while bulk carriers must also comply with safety regulations, but their solid cargo presents less risk.

Transport goods by sea with KENSA Logistics

Did you know that, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Mexico ranked 12th among the world's largest economies in 2023, ahead of countries like South Korea, Australia, and Spain?

That’s why the growth of our country has strengthened maritime transport as a strategic route for global exports.

At KENSA Logistics, we are proud to be part of this movement, offering maritime logistics solutions tailored to your needs and complying with the strictest legal standards. Additionally, our maritime logistics service stands out for its high capacity, global reach, predictability, and versatility.

Still have doubts. Here are four more reasons why you should choose us:

We are a reliable company with a strong reputation in the sector.
We offer a comprehensive service that covers everything from planning to final delivery.
We have a wide network of contacts in ports and customs worldwide.
We are committed to environmental protection by implementing sustainable practices.

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