Freight ships, we’ve all seen them. Thousands of tons of cargo is loaded up and sails away before arriving at its destination. Cargo ships, like most everything, vary in size depending on the type of cargo it specializes in. One thing that doesn’t vary is the extraordinary engineering process that allows these ships to transport your cargo through the roughest waters.

LARGE CONTAINER SHIPS

Large container ships can carry hundreds of steel shipping containers filled with (literal) tons of items including cars, heavy machinery, and other goods. These ships, depending on the design, are made to carry containers in the hold and on deck.

While some ships vary in size, when you begin calculating the numbers it becomes evident that these ships are masterpieces in modern engineering. For example, one of the biggest cargo ships carries more than 20-thousand containers. The containers can weigh up to 30 tons each. That means that this ship could carry 600-thousand tons of cargo. If that isn’t enough, there are rumors that new ships will be able to handle up to 50-thousand shipping containers.

BUILDING A FREIGHT SHIP

These ships can be more than 300-yards each– or 3 football fields for perspective. In order to carry such a load, the ships are equipped with engines that offer over 100-thousand horsepower. The hull consists of heavy steel– that houses compartments underneath. This ensures that your cargo is safe no matter the circumstances.

So, how long does it take to build a freight ship? It can take years depending on the model. These ships are built to last for years and years to come.

• The Design Stage – Just like cars or boats– the first step in the process is the design stage. This can take more than a year to complete. The carrier specifies the cargo needs then the designers get to work on meeting those requirements. After an agreement is made, the designers are then tasked with adding the details that allow the ship to function.
• Building Blocks –  Think of a freight ship as a puzzle. Building blocks- or pieces of the ship- are put in place in sections. Each section is carefully assembled by cranes until the “puzzle” is complete. The last step of the process is attaching all of the blocks, making the ship complete.
• Finishing Touches – Once the freight ship is nearly ready, it is launched into the water. There the work continues on the interior of the vessel. Final touches are added, connections are completed, and the container ship engine is prepped for service. Once it’s finished, the carrier will take delivery and the ship will begin carrying cargo over the open ocean.

FINDING THE RIGHT SHIP FOR YOUR FREIGHT

Finding the right ship for your vehicle or cargo is something you should never have to worry about. With more than 30 years of experience, we’ll do the work for you. Contact us today to receive your free quote.