Container Vessels: Technicalities, Uses, and Advantages
A container vessel is a large ship that transports cargo across the oceans. Container vessels are also called box ships or container ships. Over 90% of the world’s non-bulk dry cargo is transported by container vessels.
Container vessels carry goods in intermodal containers. Each container has a standard size, which roughly equals that of a truck. This technique is called containerization and it allows these vessels to carry a vast variety of goods across the world with no hassle.
Container Vessels Technical Details
Dimensions and Capacity
Container vessels are of several types. Smallest of them are feeders and the largest of them are ultra large container vessels. Their detailed measurements are as follows:
| Vessel Type | Length | Width | Draft | Carrying Capacity (TEU) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feeders | 492 feet (150 meters) | - | - | 2000 |
| Feedermax | 820 feet (250 meters) | - | - | 3000 |
| Panamax | 965 feet (294 meters) | 106 feet (32 meters) | 39.5 feet (12.04 meters) | 4000-5000 |
| Post Panamax | Similar to Panamax | - | - | 5000-10000 |
| New Panamax | 1200 feet (366 meters) | 160.7 feet (49 meters) | 49.9 feet (15.2 meters) | 10000-14000 |
| Ultra Large Container Vessels (ULCV) | More then 1312 feet (400 meters) | More than 193.5 feet (59 meters) | More than 52.49 feet (16 meters) | More than 14000 |
Deadweight Tonnage(DWT):
Another metric that is used as a measure of container ship carrying capacity is deadweight tonnage(DWT). It is basically the total weight that a ship can easily carry. This includes the weight of supplies, passengers, and crew but not the weight of the ship itself. It ranges from 5000 tons for the smallest of the feeders to more than 200000 tons for that of the largest container vessels, i.e. ULCVs.
Engine Power and Performance
The engine power, speed, and performance of a vessel are tied to each other. At higher speeds, the engine consumes more fuel and travels faster. At lower speeds, the engine reduces power and conserves fuel.
Most container vessels travel at the speed of 20-24 knots which equals 37-46.3 km/hr. This is the optimal speed, and fuel consumption is also acceptable. At 18-20 knots, the ship travels at a slower speed and uses less fuel.
For short distances, container vessels operate at 15-18 knots(27.8-33.3km/hr). This speed ensures minimum fuel consumption.
Uses of Container Vessels
By now, you know enough of the container ship’s types and capacities. Now, let’s take a quick look at their uses.
Industrial Use
Container vessels have globalized industrial products. These vessels transport goods in massive quantities and are accessible to everyone. So now even small scale industries in developing countries can ship their products all over the world.
Commercial Transportation
According to the data from Statista, nearly 80% of the commercial goods are transported by sea. And container vessels have the largest share of it. If it were not for container vessels, only large companies could ship their products overseas.
Now, let’s have a look at the advantages of container vessels that make them suitable for these use cases.
Advantages of Container Vessels
High Capacity and Efficiency
These vessels can carry thousands of tons of cargo. As they use containers for transport, they can easily carry fragile or hazardous material as well.
Cost-Effectiveness
Sea shipment is 4-6 times cheaper than air transport. The taxes are also lower.
Safety and Reliability
Container ships are powered with navigation, weather forecasting, reinforced hulls, and other protocols that make them secure.
Environmental Considerations
Container ships have a much smaller carbon footprint than air freight. Thus, these are easier on the environment too.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the meaning of a container vessel?
A: A container vessel is a ship that transports cargo in containers.
Q: What are the different types of vessel containers?
A: Different types of container vessels are Feeders, Feedermax, Panamax, PostPanamax, New Panamax, and Ultra Large Container Vessels(ULCV).
Q: What do container vessels carry?
A: Container vessels carry all kinds of dry non bulk cargo. This ranges from lumber to electronics and even automobiles.
Q: What is the difference between cargo and container vessels?
A: Cargo vessel is a term that can be used for any ship that transports goods. Container vessels are cargo ships that transport goods in standardized containers.