Bulk carriers, often called bulkers, are specialized ships designed to transport large quantities of unpackaged bulk cargo. These vessels typically carry commodities such as grains, coal, ore, cement, and other similar materials. Bulk carriers are equipped with large cargo holds and hatches to facilitate the efficient loading and unloading of these bulk goods.

Key Characteristics:
Large Cargo Holds: Spacious and unobstructed holds to maximize cargo capacity.
Hatch Covers: Protect cargo from the elements and enable easy access for loading and unloading.
Structural Strength: Reinforced to handle the heavy loads and stresses associated with bulk cargo.
Specialized Equipment: Sometimes equipped with self-unloading gear like cranes or conveyor belts, though many rely on shore-based equipment for loading and unloading.
Types of Bulk Carriers:
Handysize: 10,000 to 35,000 deadweight tonnage (DWT).
Supramax: 50,000 to 60,000 DWT.
Panamax: Around 65,000 to 80,000 DWT, designed to fit through the Panama Canal.
Capesize: Over 80,000 DWT, typically too large for the Panama Canal and must navigate via the Cape of Good Hope or Cape Horn.
Usage:
Bulk carriers are essential for global trade, efficiently transporting raw materials from producing countries to markets worldwide. They play a crucial role in industries like agriculture, mining, and energy.

Container vessels, or container ships, are specially designed ships used to transport standardized cargo containers. These vessels revolutionized global trade by standardizing the way goods are packed, loaded, and transported, allowing for efficient and cost-effective shipping.

Key Characteristics:
Standardized Containers: Use 20-foot equivalent units (TEUs) and 40-foot equivalent units (FEUs) as standard sizes.
Cell Guides: Metal guides in cargo holds to stack and secure containers.
Large Deck Space: Often carry containers both above and below deck.
Crane Systems: Some container ships are equipped with onboard cranes (geared), while others rely on port cranes (gearless).
Types of Container Vessels:
Feeder Ships: Small vessels with a capacity of up to 3,000 TEUs, used for regional shipping routes.
Panamax: Designed to fit through the Panama Canal, with capacities up to around 5,000 TEUs.
Post-Panamax: Larger than Panamax, with capacities up to around 12,000 TEUs, not limited by the original Panama Canal dimensions.
Ultra Large Container Vessels (ULCVs): The largest type, with capacities exceeding 20,000 TEUs, used on major global trade routes.
Usage:
Container ships are the backbone of international trade, enabling the efficient movement of a wide variety of goods, from electronics and clothing to machinery and food products. They operate on fixed schedules and routes, linking major ports around the world and facilitating the global supply chain.

General cargo ships, also known as multipurpose (MPP) vessels, are versatile ships designed to carry a wide variety of cargo types. These vessels can handle different forms of cargo simultaneously, making them adaptable to various shipping needs.

Key Characteristics:
Versatility: Capable of transporting different types of cargo such as pallets, crates, bags, and even vehicles and machinery.
Multiple Cargo Holds: Several holds to accommodate different cargo types, ensuring efficient storage and transportation.
Cargo Handling Equipment: Often equipped with cranes and other loading gear, allowing them to load and unload cargo in ports without advanced infrastructure.
Adaptability: Can carry both bulk and containerized cargo, as well as oversized items and project cargo.
Types of Cargo:
Dry Bulk: Includes grains, fertilizers, and cement.
Break Bulk: Items such as steel products, lumber, and bagged cargo.
Containers: Standardized containers for a variety of goods.
Project Cargo: Heavy and oversized items like industrial machinery and construction materials.
Usage:
General cargo ships are used in global trade routes, often serving ports with limited infrastructure that cannot handle specialized vessels like container ships or bulk carriers. Their flexibility makes them essential for transporting a wide range of goods, especially in regions with diverse shipping needs.

Tankers: Transport liquid cargo such as crude oil, chemicals, and liquefied natural gas (LNG).
Ro-Ro Ships (Roll-on/Roll-off): Designed to carry wheeled cargo like cars, trucks, and trailers.
Passenger Ships: Includes cruise ships and ferries.
Refrigerated Ships (Reefers): Transport perishable goods that require temperature control.
Liquefied Gas Carriers: Transport liquefied gases like LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) and LNG.