When people think of transporting goods, they might automatically think of tractor-trailers or trains. However, according to the International Marine Organization, 90% of all the world’s cargo that needs transportation makes that trip by sea, generally in a cargo carrier. This includes things like oil, food, electronics, clothing, cars, and any other products. Here are the most common types of cargo carriers and their general uses.
Purchasing Cargo Carriers: Consider a Used Vessel
For merchants looking to browse Ships for sale, it’s worth taking the time to consider buying used. Deciding to purchase 2nd hand vessels provides many valuable benefits, including saving a lot of money. In fact, general cargo ships are literally hundreds of thousands of dollars and cost a lot of money to operate, too.
However, Used ships for sale offer a unique opportunity to those looking to expand into the merchant shipping business. It provides a way to save money and get a reliable, trusted ship that has already made many trips across the sea, which is invaluable. Every second-hand ship goes through an inspection process, so merchants can breathe easy knowing that the vessel is in excellent condition and precisely what quirks or foibles she may have every ship is different. Buying used allows for a unique perspective into the workings of the ship, taking the learning process right out of the equation.
Different Types of Cargo Carriers
- Dry Bulk Carriers
Dry bulk carriers only transport dry goods. They’re available in eight different sizes, including:
Handysize: 15,000 to 35,000 DWT (dead weight tonnage) carrying capacity
Handymax: 35,000 to 48,000 DWT
Supramax: 48,000 to 60,000 DWT
Panamax: 65,000 to 80,000 DWT
Kamsarmax: 80,000 to 85,000 DWT
Post-Panamax: 85,000 to 110,000 DWT
Capesize: 110,000 to 200,000 DWT
- Tanker Vessels
Tanker vessels generally carry non-dry cargo, including liquids, fluids, chemicals, gasses, or oil, and even food (like juice or syrup). Most tanker vessels run on substantial marine diesel engines and are typically low-speed ships.
- Container Vessels
Container vessels transport goods stored in large shipping containers for the trip. There are four types of container vessels, ranging from the smallest to the largest: feeder vessels, intermediate vessels, neo-Panamax vessels, and post-Panamax vessels.
Purchasing Cargo Ships
No matter which type of cargo carrier your shipping business needs, an essential factor to consider is buying new or used. New cargo vessels can be costly, and they take an exceedingly long time to build especially for merchants who want a ship customized to their every need. Instead, consider going with a used cargo vessel. Not only does it save money, but it provides your fledgling merchant business with a vessel that’s proven to make it across the sea effortlessly. For those reasons and more, it’s crucial to consider going second hand, particularly for an investment of such a large size.
David Maxwell 