Types of Ships - Encyclopedia of Ships

What kind of ships sail the seas, rivers and oceans – and why do they each play a different, crucial role? From colossal container ships to agile jet skis, the world of vessels is a fascinating kaleidoscope of technology, function and purpose.

In this article, you will learn about the full spectrum of ships – commercial, passenger, war, specialist, fishing and recreational.

But be careful – not everything is as obvious as it seems. Which ship can pack its own cargo? And which one works like a floating laboratory? See for yourself and discover what is really behind names like LNGC, OBO or FFV.

1. Commercial Vessels

2. Passenger Vessels

3. Naval Vessels

4. Specialized Vessels

5. Fishing Vessels

6. Recreational and Smaller Vessels

1. Commercial Vessels

Merchant ships are the backbone of global trade. They enable goods to be efficiently transported over vast distances, in various forms and states of matter.

Cargo Ships

• Container Ship (abbreviation: CS) This is one of the most recognizable and ubiquitous representatives of the category of ships transporting goods . Container ships transporting goods in standard TEU containers are the pillar of global maritime transport . Their design allows for quick transshipment, which makes them irreplaceable in servicing large ports.

  
  

• Bulk Carrier (abbreviation: BC) These cargo ships transport dry bulk cargo such as grain, coal, metal ores or cement. The largest bulk carriers belong to the Capesize class, serving intercontinental shipping. This is an important type of cargo ship when volume and efficiency count.

  
  

• Tanker (Tanker, abbreviation: TK) Or simply a tanker . Its task? Transport of liquid goods , such as oil, chemicals or gas. Tankers are not only huge, but also technically advanced, because they have to take care of the safety of the cargo.

  
  

• Oil Tanker (abbreviation: OT) is a specialized commercial ship for transporting crude oil . Sometimes as huge as a floating city, it is one of the largest commercial ships in the world.

  
  

• Gas Carrier (abbreviation: GC or LNGC/LPGC) A special type of ship designed to carry LNG and LPG. Gas carriers are technological marvels - with insulation, refrigeration and spherical tanks.

  
  

• Chemical Tanker (abbreviation: CHT) This type of cargo ship was created to transport acids, alkalis, alcohols and other hazardous substances. Their transported cargo requires precise control.

  
  

• General Cargo Ship (GCS) The messenger of the classic – general cargo ships carry parcels, crates, barrels and other bulk goods. Still irreplaceable where a container is too much.

  
  

• Reefer Ship (RS) These are ships that allow the transport of food: meat, fish, fruit. Their special chambers provide the appropriate temperature.

  
  

• Ro-Ro (Roll-on/Roll-off Ship, abbreviation: Ro-Ro) These cargo ships transport everything on wheels. Ro-ro is the type where trucks drive themselves on board. A great solution for wheeled cargo.

  
  

• BIBO (Bulk In, Bags Out, abbreviation: BIBO) This is a special type of ship that transports e.g. sugar in bulk, and then... packs it itself! Ideal for goods that require ships with their own technology.

Combined Carriers

• Ore-Bulk-Oil Carrier (OBO) Multitasking in the world of ships. They can carry ore, grain, and then... oil. They minimize empty runs and save the shipowner's wallet.

  
  

• Container-Oil-Bulk Carrier (COB) An even rarer case. They combine types of seagoing vessels in one unit, making them flexible but also complicated.

2. Passenger Vessels

Passenger ships are floating hotels, communication bridges, and adventure vehicles all in one. They are used to transport people on a variety of routes, from local crossings to luxury intercontinental cruises.

Ferry (Ferry, abbreviation: FY)

Ferries are irreplaceable units on short and medium-haul routes. Their task is to transport passengers, vehicles and cargo across straits, rivers, canals or seas. They come in various versions: car, rail and foot. Sometimes they combine passenger and transport functions, often using Ro-Ro technology.

Cruise Ship (abbreviation: CS)

They are real floating cities . They offer everything from restaurants, pools, theaters, to casinos and spas. Cruise ships don’t just transport people, they are attractions in themselves. Their routes include ports on every continent, and the journey itself is the destination.

Ocean Liner (abbreviation: OL)

A classic of maritime elegance. Liners used to be the main means of transport across oceans. They sailed according to a schedule and on specific routes (e.g. Europe - America). Today, they have been replaced by airplanes, but in some forms they have survived as luxury vessels for long-distance voyages.

Passenger Catamaran (abbreviation: PC)

A double-hulled unit with great stability and speed, often used for local crossings and tourist cruises. Due to its low draft, it is ideal for cruising in shallow waters, lagoons and archipelagos.

Expedition Cruise Ship (abbreviation: ECS)

Forget about the typical all-inclusive. These ships are made for exploration: Antarctica, the Arctic, the Amazon or the Galapagos. Smaller, more maneuverable, with a crew of scientists and research equipment. Perfect for explorers and nature enthusiasts.

River Cruise Ship (abbreviation: RCS)

Special passenger ships for river cruises. Smaller than seagoing ships, adapted for shallow waters and city navigation. Popular on the Danube, Rhine, Seine or in the Mekong Delta.

High-Speed Ferry (HSF)

Light, fast passenger vessels moving at high speed (even 40-50 knots). They shorten the travel time between ports, often used in island regions.

Train Ferry (abbreviation: TF)

A specialized ferry with tracks. Designed to transport railcars. Although less common, they still operate in selected regions of Europe and Asia.

Car Ferry (abbreviation: CF)

The most common type of ferry . It can carry cars, trucks, buses, and foot passengers.

3. Naval Vessels

Warships are floating fortresses and instruments of strategic power. Each type fulfills a different role within a navy and is tailored to specific combat or naval support roles.

Aircraft Carrier (abbreviation: CVN or CV)

King of the oceans. An aircraft carrier is a floating air base capable of carrying and operating combat aircraft, reconnaissance aircraft, and helicopters. A key element of power projection.

Cruiser (Cruiser, abbreviation: CG)

A large, heavily armed warship . Cruisers are versatile, performing command, missile defense, and combat support functions.

Destroyer (abbreviation: DDG)

Fast, maneuverable, and heavily armed, destroyers are multi-role escort vessels capable of conducting anti-aircraft, anti-ship, and anti-submarine operations.

Frigate (Frigate, abbreviation: FFG)

The "workhorse" of the fleet. Smaller than a destroyer, but just as useful. Frigates are mainly used for convoy protection and anti-submarine operations.

Corvette (abbreviation: COV)

An agile, lightweight unit for coastal operations, corvettes are an ideal tool for patrolling, combating ships and protecting borders.

Submarine (abbreviation: SS or SSN/SSBN)

Mysterious and deadly, submarines are invisible to the eye but can pack a powerful punch. Equipped with torpedoes, missiles, and sometimes even nuclear warheads.

Missile Boat (MB)

Small, fast and dangerous, the missile boats are based on hit-and-run tactics. Ideal for coastal operations and territory protection.

Mine Countermeasures Vessel (MCMV)

Underwater hazards specialist.

• Minesweeper (MS) : destroys contact and magnetic mines.

• Mine Hunter (MH) : locates and neutralizes mines remotely.

Landing Ship (abbreviation: LSD/LPD/LHD)

It carries troops, vehicles and equipment to shore. Landing ships have ramps, docks and often flight decks. Essential for land and sea operations.

Submarine Chaser (abbreviation: SC)

A smaller ship , once the main slayer of underwater enemies. Today, its role is often taken over by modern frigates and corvettes.

Support Ship (abbreviation: AS or AUX)

Logistics at sea. Support ships provide fuel, ammunition, repairs, medical care, and other services to the fleet.

Naval Tugboat (NT)

The unassuming hero of the port. Military tugs help with maneuvers, towing and rescue.

4. Specialized Vessels

These units are masters of a specific craft. Designed for specialized tasks, from scientific research to rescue to work on oil platforms.

Hydrographic Survey Vessel (HSV)

Equipped with sonars, echo sounders and measurement systems, hydrographic vessels explore the seabed, create maps, analyze depths and obstacles – crucial for safe navigation.

Patrol Vessel (abbreviation: PV)

Border forces, maritime police and fisheries guards use these units for patrolling, resource protection and interventions on the water. Sometimes light and fast, sometimes armored and versatile.

Firefighting Vessel (FFV)

With water cannons and foam systems, they extinguish fires in ports, on platforms and other vessels. Fire ships are floating fire brigades.

Icebreaker (abbreviation: IB)

Armed with reinforced hulls, they sail through frozen seas. Icebreakers pave the way for other vessels, especially in polar regions.

Pilot Boat (abbreviation: PB)

Fast, agile vessels that deliver maritime pilots aboard ships entering port. Without them, it is difficult to maneuver safely in tight waters.

Rescue Vessel (SARV)

Designed for rescue operations, SAR vessels are equipped with medical equipment, rafts, location systems and evacuation means.

Cable Laying Ship (CLS)

They lay submarine telecommunications and power cables. They have special drums, cranes and systems for guiding cables to the bottom.

Training Ship (TS)

Units for practical training of sailors. Sometimes they are historic sailing ships, sometimes modern ships with simulators and classes.

Research Vessel (abbreviation: RV)

Research vessels are floating laboratories: sonars, bathymeters, robotic arms, sampling systems. They work for science and climate.

Drillship (Drillship, abbreviation: DS)

Advanced offshore vessels that perform subsea drilling. They have drilling rigs, positioning systems and work platforms.

FPSO (Floating Production Storage and Offloading Unit)

It's a floating factory. It processes oil and gas, stores it, and then transfers it to tankers . Sometimes converted from former supertankers.

OSV (Offshore Supply Vessel)

They supply platforms with equipment, food, water and fuel. OSVs have open decks and DP (dynamic positioning) systems.

Tugboat (abbreviation: TB)

Small but mighty. Tugs push, pull and maneuver larger vessels. Essential in ports and difficult waters.

5. Fishing Vessels

Fishing vessels are seafaring tools – they are used to catch, process and transport the produce of the sea. From small cutters to giant floating processing plants – each type has its role and specialization.

Fishing Vessel (abbreviation: FV)

A general term for all vessels engaged in fishing for fish, crustaceans, or mollusks. Their appearance, size, and equipment depend on the method of fishing, the waters, and local traditions.

Fishing Cutter (abbreviation: FC)

A smaller vessel designed for coastal fishing. Fishing boats are usually multi-purpose – they can be adapted for nets, trawls, and even hand fishing. Often used locally.

Trawler (Trawler, abbreviation: TR)

It is a fishing vessel adapted to trawling – a special net dragged along the bottom or in the water column. They come in versions:

• Stern Trawler – with a trawl launched from the stern,

• Side Trawler – with a net lowered from the side.

Purse Seiner (abbreviation: PS)

It specializes in catching schools of fish (e.g. sardines, tuna) using a purse seine – a net that is closed like a bag. A very effective method of fishing on a large scale.

Factory Ship / Processing Vessel (abbreviation: FS)

A real floating factory . In addition to fishing, there is a line for fish processing on board: filleting, freezing, packaging, production of fishmeal. This allows for a longer period of operation away from the port.

Fishing Reefer Vessel (FRV)

The purpose of these vessels is to transport fish cargoes at controlled temperatures. They often work with fishing vessels, collecting fresh catch from them and transporting it to ports.

Trap Fishing Vessel (TFV)

Specialized in fishing with traps and baskets. Used mainly for catching lobsters, crabs, eels or lobsters. Often small in size.

6. Recreational and Smaller Vessels

Man does not live by work alone – sometimes you just have to get out on the water for fun. From luxury yachts to simple rowing boats – these units are made for relaxation, sport and individual adventure.

Motor Yacht (abbreviation: MY)

A luxury engine-powered vessel built for comfort and style, motor yachts can be small – perfect for weekend getaways – or gigantic superyachts, packed with amenities: jacuzzis, helipads, VIP cabins and private crews.

Sailing Yacht (abbreviation: SY)

Powered by wind and sails, it is a classic of freedom on the water. Sailing yachts are divided into:

• Monohull – the most common, with one hull,

• Catamarans (Catamarans, abbreviation: CAT) – two parallel hulls, stable and spacious,

• Trimarans (Trimarans, abbreviation: TRI) – three hulls, ideal for fast sailing.

They can be tourist, regatta or expedition – everyone will find something for themselves.

Tourist Catamaran (Cruising Catamaran, abbreviation: CCAT)

Stable, comfortable, ideal for long cruises with family or friends. Tourist catamarans offer large living space and often a shallow draft, allowing them to enter shallow waters.

Motorboat (abbreviation: MB)

Fast, agile and versatile. Motorboats are used for water sports, fishing and as workboats. Their power, size and application can vary greatly.

Jet Ski / Personal Watercraft (PWC)

A one- or two-person unit for fun on the water. Jet skis reach high speeds, are great for sliding, jumping and fast driving. Favorite among adrenaline fans.

Rowing Boat (Row Boat, abbreviation: RB)

A classic recreation on lakes and rivers. Rowing boats are the simplest form of sailing – powered by muscle power and an oar. Quiet, ecological, ideal for fishing, relaxation or physical exercise.

Kayak (Kayak, abbreviation: KYK)

A slim unit for one or two people. Kayaks are great on rivers, lakes and even the sea. Perfect for exploration, sports and adventure trips.

Canoe (Canoe, abbreviation: CAN)

Similar to a kayak, but with higher sides and a different paddling style, canoes are traditional boats, often made of wood or modern materials, used for recreation, tourism, and survival.