type of research vessels

The Ultimate Guide to Research Vessels: Everything You Need to Know

• Types of Research Vessels
• Capabilities of Research Vessels
• Challenges of Research Vessels

From exploring the depths of the ocean to studying the earth’s climate, research vessels are crucial tools for scientific research.

They come in various shapes and sizes, each equipped with specialized equipment and technology to conduct research in specific fields.

In this ultimate guide to research vessels, we will explore everything you need to know about these scientific marvels, including their history, types, capabilities, and future developments.

History of Research Vessels:

Research vessels have been around for centuries, dating back to the voyages of the HMS Challenger in the 19th century, which conducted the first comprehensive oceanographic survey.

Over time, research vessels have evolved to meet the growing demands of scientific research, with advancements in technology and materials improving their capabilities.

Types of Research Vessels:

Research vessels come in various types, each designed for specific research needs.

These types include oceanographic research vessels, fisheries research vessels, hydrographic survey vessels, and polar research vessels.

Oceanographic research vessels are equipped with instruments to study the physical, chemical, and biological properties of the ocean.

Fisheries research vessels are used to study fish populations and marine ecosystems, while hydrographic survey vessels map the seafloor and coastline.

Polar research vessels are used for research in extreme polar environments, such as Antarctica.

Capabilities of Research Vessels:

Research vessels are equipped with a range of capabilities, depending on their type and purpose.

These include laboratories, sonar systems, underwater cameras, and remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) to explore the depths of the ocean.

Some research vessels also have ice-breaking capabilities, allowing them to operate in polar regions.

They can collect water and sediment samples, deploy oceanographic instruments, and even conduct live broadcasts from the ocean floor.

Crew and Operations:

Research vessels are operated by specialized crews, including scientists, engineers, and crew members.

The size of the crew varies depending on the size and type of vessel. Research vessel crews work long hours, often spending weeks or months at sea, collecting data and conducting experiments.

The vessel’s operations are coordinated from a bridge, where the captain and navigational officers work together to steer the ship and maintain safety.

Cost and Funding:

Research vessels are expensive to build and operate, with costs ranging from tens of millions to hundreds of millions of dollars.

Funding for research vessels comes from a variety of sources, including government agencies, private foundations, and universities.

Research vessels are often shared among multiple institutions to maximize their use and reduce costs.

Environmental Impact:

Research vessels can have an environmental impact, particularly in sensitive marine ecosystems.

To minimize this impact, research vessels adhere to strict environmental regulations and protocols, such as reducing waste and limiting fuel consumption.

Some vessels also use alternative energy sources, such as wind and solar power, to reduce their carbon footprint.

Future Developments:

The future of research vessels is exciting, with advancements in technology and materials improving their capabilities and reducing their environmental impact.

One development is the use of autonomous vessels, which can operate without a crew and collect data for extended periods.

Another development is the use of biofuels and other sustainable energy sources to power vessels, reducing their carbon footprint.

As technology continues to advance, the possibilities for research vessels are endless.

Maintenance and Safety:

Research vessels require regular maintenance to ensure they are operating safely and effectively.

Maintenance can range from routine tasks such as cleaning and painting to more complex repairs and overhauls.

Safety is also a top priority on research vessels, and crews undergo rigorous training to prepare for emergencies such as fires, medical emergencies, or extreme weather conditions.

Collaboration and Data Sharing:

Collaboration and data sharing are critical aspects of scientific research, and research vessels play a key role in facilitating these efforts.

Research vessels are often used by multiple institutions, and data collected on board is shared among the scientific community.

In addition, research vessels often collaborate with other research vessels or platforms, such as satellites, to collect and analyze data from different perspectives.

Challenges of Research Vessels:

Despite their many benefits, research vessels face several challenges, including funding, operational costs, and political and regulatory constraints.

Funding for research vessels can be difficult to secure, particularly in times of economic uncertainty.

Operational costs, such as fuel and maintenance, can also be high, making it challenging for institutions to maintain and operate research vessels.

Political and regulatory constraints can also pose challenges, particularly for research conducted in international waters.

Notable Research Vessels:

There have been many notable research vessels throughout history, each with its own unique contributions to scientific knowledge.

The HMS Challenger, which conducted the first comprehensive oceanographic survey in the 19th century, is considered one of the most influential research vessels of all time.

Other notable research vessels include the RV Atlantis , which discovered the wreckage of the Titanic in 1985, and the RV Knorr, which was used to discover hydrothermal vents and the deep-sea organism known as the “Yeti crab.”

The Future of Research Vessels:

As technology continues to evolve, the future of research vessels looks promising.

Autonomous vessels, powered by artificial intelligence and machine learning, have the potential to collect data more efficiently and cost-effectively than manned vessels.

Advances in robotics and sensor technology could also lead to more precise and detailed data collection.

Additionally, research vessels could become more environmentally sustainable, with the use of alternative energy sources and more efficient propulsion systems.

Uses of Research Vessels:

Research vessels are used for a variety of purposes, including oceanographic research, marine biology, climate change research, and natural resource exploration.

Oceanographic research is focused on studying the physical, chemical, and biological properties of the ocean and how they interact with each other.

Marine biology research focuses on studying marine organisms, their behavior, and their interactions with their environment.

Climate change research on research vessels includes studying the effects of climate change on the ocean, such as ocean acidification and sea level rise.

Natural resource exploration focuses on identifying and mapping natural resources, such as oil and gas deposits, on the ocean floor.

Equipment on Research Vessels:

Research vessels are equipped with a variety of specialized equipment, including sonar systems, sensors, and sampling equipment.

Sonar systems are used to map the seafloor and detect underwater objects, such as shipwrecks and marine life.

Sensors are used to collect data on the physical and chemical properties of the ocean, such as temperature, salinity, and dissolved oxygen.

Sampling equipment is used to collect samples of seawater, sediments, and marine organisms for analysis back in the lab.

Education and Outreach:

Research vessels are not only used for scientific research but also for education and outreach. Many research vessels offer educational programs for students and the general public, providing opportunities to learn about oceanography, marine biology, and other marine-related fields.

Some research vessels also offer tours and public events, allowing people to see firsthand the equipment and technology used in marine research.

International Collaboration:

Research vessels often collaborate internationally, with institutions and governments from different countries working together to conduct research.

This international collaboration is important for advancing our understanding of the ocean and the impacts of human activities on marine ecosystems.

Research vessels are also used for international treaties, such as the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea , which governs the use of the ocean and its resources.

Research Vessel Industry and Market:

The research vessel industry and market are growing, driven by an increasing demand for marine research and exploration.

The market is segmented based on vessel type, including oceanographic research vessels, fisheries research vessels, and geophysical research vessels.

The market is also segmented based on end-user, including government and academic institutions, as well as private companies.

Some of the key players in the research vessel industry include Fugro, Teledyne Marine, and Kongsberg Maritime.

Research Vessels and the Law:

Research vessels are subject to a variety of laws and regulations, including international treaties, national laws, and industry standards.

These laws and regulations govern the use of research vessels, including their operation, maintenance, and data collection.

In addition, research vessels must comply with environmental regulations, such as those related to waste disposal and pollution prevention, to minimize their impact on the marine environment.

Comparison with Other Vessels:

Research vessels are specialized vessels designed for scientific research and exploration. While they share some similarities with other types of vessels, such as fishing boats and cargo ships, they differ in many ways.

Fishing boats are designed for catching fish, while research vessels are designed for scientific research.

Fishing boats are typically smaller and less complex than research vessels, and their equipment is focused on catching and storing fish.

On the other hand, research vessels are larger and more complex, with specialized equipment for sampling, measuring, and analyzing oceanographic data.

Cargo ships are designed for transporting goods and materials, while research vessels are designed for conducting scientific research.

Cargo ships are typically much larger than research vessels, with greater cargo capacity and less specialized equipment.

Research vessels are designed to operate in a variety of sea conditions, while cargo ships are designed for efficiency and speed.

Comparison with Research Aircraft:

Research aircraft, such as planes and helicopters, are also used for scientific research, but they differ from research vessels in several ways.

Research aircraft can cover greater distances and travel at higher altitudes than research vessels, making them ideal for studying atmospheric and climate-related phenomena.

However, research aircraft are limited in their ability to collect data below the surface of the ocean, while research vessels can study the entire ocean ecosystem.

Research aircraft are also more expensive to operate than research vessels, and they require specialized facilities for maintenance and storage.

In addition, research aircraft have limited endurance and require frequent refueling, while research vessels can operate for extended periods of time without refueling.

Comparison with Submersibles:

Submersibles are specialized vehicles designed to operate underwater, allowing researchers to explore the ocean depths.

While submersibles share some similarities with research vessels, such as their use of specialized equipment, they differ in several ways.

Submersibles are smaller and more maneuverable than research vessels, allowing them to explore narrow or confined spaces, such as coral reefs and underwater caves.

However, submersibles are limited in their endurance and range, and they require specialized support vessels for transport and deployment.

Research vessels, on the other hand, can carry a variety of submersibles and other equipment, allowing researchers to study the ocean at multiple depths and locations.

Research vessels also provide a platform for conducting experiments and analyzing data, which is not possible with submersibles alone.

Comparison with Satellites:

Satellites are used for remote sensing and monitoring of the ocean and the earth’s atmosphere. While satellites can provide valuable data for scientific research, they differ from research vessels in several ways.

Satellites are limited in their ability to collect data below the surface of the ocean, while research vessels can study the entire ocean ecosystem.

Satellites are also dependent on weather conditions and atmospheric interference, which can limit their effectiveness in certain regions.

Research vessels can operate in a variety of sea conditions and can collect a wide range of data through a variety of sensors and equipment.

Research vessels also provide a platform for conducting experiments and analyzing data, which is not possible with satellites alone.

Wrapping Up: Research Vessels

research vessels play a vital role in oceanographic research, marine biology, climate change research, and natural resource exploration. These specialized vessels are equipped with a wide range of equipment and require a skilled and diverse crew to operate effectively. They provide a platform for scientific research, education, and outreach, as well as international collaboration. Despite facing challenges related to funding, maintenance, and logistical issues, research vessels will continue to play a critical role in advancing our understanding of the ocean and its ecosystems.

While research vessels share some similarities with other types of vessels and vehicles used for scientific research, they are uniquely designed for studying the ocean and its ecosystems. Future advancements in technology and increasing demand for marine research and exploration may shape the future of research vessels, but their importance in advancing our understanding of the ocean will remain unchanged. It is essential to continue supporting and investing in these vessels to ensure that they can operate effectively and efficiently, providing the critical data and knowledge needed to preserve and protect our oceans for generations to come.

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Global-Class, general-purpose research vessel capable of long-duration missions in extreme environments worldwide.

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Emeritus Vessels

Emeritus vessel:  FLIP

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Emeritus vessel:  R/V MELVILLE

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• Submersibles

Observation Platforms: Submersibles

The average depth of our ocean is over 3,600 meters (2.23 miles), and scientists require special equipment that is capable of visiting these regions of crushing pressures, extreme cold, and darkness. Over the last few decades, submersible technology has been developed and refined, allowing us to visualize, sample, and survey our planet’s deep-sea environments.

Submersibles are underwater robots that are deployed from the ship to the sea, where they record and collect information from the ocean’s water column and seafloor for scientific analysis. Three main types of submersibles have been used on recent NOAA Ocean Exploration-supported missions: human-occupied vehicles (HOVs), remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), and autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs).

Human-occupied vehicles (HOVs) transport a small team of scientists and pilots directly to the seafloor for a limited amount of time. Similar to the other submersibles, HOVs are equipped with tools such as lights, cameras, sensors, manipulator arms, and collection instruments. However, HOVs are unique in their ability to bring scientist’s own eyes and knowledge as deep as thousands of meters underwater to explore, observe, collect samples, and conduct research first-hand.

Alvin, which is operated by Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, has been in operation since 1964. The human-occupied vehicle is capable of reaching depths of 4,500 meters, carrying two scientists and one pilot for each dive. Image courtesy of Luis Lamar, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. Download largest version (jpg, 488 KB) .

Remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) are tethered underwater robots used for research, exploration, and imagery collection in the water column and on the seafloor. ROVs are tethered to the ship, allowing control signals to be sent and received directly between topside operators and the subsea vehicle. Many ROVs can also collect samples via a manipulator arm operated by a pilot; later analysis of these samples can reveal even more about the seafloor.

Tethered remotely operated vehicle Hercules examining the wreck of German submarine U-166 in the Gulf of Mexico. Image courtesy of the Ocean Exploration Trust/Nautilus Live. Download largest version (jpg, 1.1 MB) .

Autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) are pre-programmed robots that can drift, dive, or glide through the ocean without real-time control by human operators. AUVs collect high-resolution sensor data, which provides detailed information for researchers. Once deployed, AUVs operate on their own, guided by a pre-planned route, which permits scientists to conduct other research while the AUV is surveying the surface or deep ocean.

The autonomous underwater vehicle Orpheus being deployed from NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer. This AUV’s compact shape, thrusters, mapping software, and camera allow for exploration of the hadal zone, or the deepest region of the ocean. Image courtesy of Art Howard, GFOE, 2021 Technology Demonstration. Download largest version (jpg, 14.2 MB) .

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6 Types of Research Vessels

by Goodwin Marine Services | Jun 26, 2021 | Blog | 0 comments

Simply put, any boat or ship used in marine research and marine surveys is called a “research vessel.’’ This is because such marine vessels are so designed and well-equipped for purposes of research. These are built to sustain the most challenging conditions of the sea. Here, the research includes activities like exploring the oceanic flora and fauna and looking for oil and explosives, among other things. 

Furthermore, since the seas have several fascinating creatures and secrets that mankind always wishes to know, research vessels help with their brilliant engineering. Right from the discovery of shipwrecks to underwater cities, the research vessels shed light on the deep darkness. 

Types of Research Vessels

The type of vessel mainly depends upon the research that is to be carried out. 

Known as the strangest ship in the world, the Naval Research calls it a FLoating Instrument Platform (FLIP). The ship has small front quarters with a long hollow ballast at the end. FLIP takes the horizontal position when the tanks have air in them. However, about 300 feet go under the water when the tanks hold the seawater. 

The water at depths offers the necessary buoyancy for the platform. Hence, it remains the most stable platform and remains unaffected by the wave actions. The 108 meters long FLIP tanks in the flooded area pump in the compressed air to bring the vessel back to its horizontal position.

Research Vessel Jamie Hanna

A boat made out of fiberglass, it is 55 feet long. The Research Vessel Jamie Hanna helps to conduct surveys on offshore land and in sampling services. Moreover, the ship can also offer economic mobilization, starting from Maine and moving to Florida. 

The stunning configuration of this ship allows multiple sensor deployment that includes sub-bottom magnetometers and sonars, towed side-scan sonar, multibeam. In addition to using it for geophysical surveyors and hydrographers, the researchers also use this fast and stable platform for biological and geophysical surveys.

Research Vessel James K Goodwin

This MRV (Marine Robotic Vehicle) provides services related to positioning, port calls, destination, estimated time of arrival (ETA), and distance traveled. Specifically, it offers itself for a range of oceanographic surveys. With no ballast, it includes a 26-foot beam with a 7-foot draft. Carrying 50,000 gallons of fluid, it can take the speed from 9 to 12 knots. 

GMS Vessel M/V Privateer

The Goodwin Marine Services Marine Vessel Privateer, by name, is a private ship engaging in maritime activities of exploring and surveying. This literally translates to individuals and their private maritime vessels contributing to state-based research .

R/V Rachel K. Goodwin

The research vessel Rachel K Goodwin is a maritime vessel conducting oceanic surveys. These surveys are important in preparing nautical charts that ensure the safety of other military and civilian ships.

R/V Rachel K. Goodwin works at its best for carrying out ocean-going research tasks. It is extremely comfortable and versatile for marine research expeditions. It can travel at 9 to 12 knots speed. Moreover, she has an extensive range of safety equipment. For example, the SOLAS ACR RLB-32 CAT1 EPIRB helps to let others know the position of your ship with accuracy. 

Research vessels offer invaluable discoveries to the researchers. Whether  physical oceanography or geophysics, we can build these vessels in any size and shape and help to conduct experiments at the right location. 

Moreover, each vessel serves a purpose. While one can go deep down to find the deepest underwater volcanic vents, the other can flip to make the walls turn into the ceiling and offer a new ship to research. Thus, its peculiar research can not only assist in submarine warfare but can enable several scientific expeditions.

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A Survey of Marine Research Vessels in the Indo-Pacific

Marine research vessels have been making waves in the Indo-Pacific recently. This is especially true of China’s large fleet. State-owned Chinese vessels have engaged in oil and gas surveys on the continental shelves of its neighbors, as the Haiyang Dizhi 8 did off the coast of Vietnam for four months last year. Others have conducted marine scientific research without the permission of coastal states. This was the case with the Shiyan 1, which India expelled from its exclusive economic zone (EEZ) near the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in September 2019, and the Zhang Jian, whose operations in the Philippine EEZ last summer drove President Rodrigo Duterte to hastily declare a ban on all foreign research vessels in his country’s waters.

Such research can serve both civilian and military purposes. Oceanographic data is crucial for undersea operations, as water and seabed conditions affect the ability to detect submarines. Research vessels purportedly involved in scientific research can also use their instruments for naval reconnaissance, gathering intelligence on foreign military facilities and vessels. Australian defense officials reportedly described an early 2020 survey by China’s Xiang Yang Hong 01 near Christmas Island as intended to study the routes of Australian submarines traveling to and from the South China Sea.

To better understand the scale of such research activity in the Indo-Pacific, AMTI tracked state-owned or -operated survey vessels in waters beyond their government’s legal jurisdiction over the last year. The data confirms that China operated by far the largest fleet of government research vessels in the region. This analysis relies on the automatic identification system (AIS) signals broadcast by these ships and collected on the commercial platform Marine Traffic. The data is necessarily incomplete because it does not include all naval surveillance activities, including those of the United States. Military vessels are not required to broadcast AIS under the International Maritime Organization’s Safety of Life at Sea Convention.

The interactive map below shows the location of each research activity undertaken by these vessels across the Indo-Pacific last year. AMTI determined when a ship was engaged in research based on its course and speed as revealed by AIS. The most recognizable behavior is that of ships operating in a grid or “lawnmower pattern,” which indicates a bathymetric survey to map the seafloor. A vessel transiting at low speed for a sustained period is a sign that it is collecting data, for instance with a towed instrument array. Other indicators of research activity include a vessel stopping at regular intervals or revisiting the same spot repeatedly, which suggests that it is taking measurements or deploying equipment. This is not meant to be an exhaustive list; some research occurs without leaving clear evidence in a ship’s course and speed. Nonetheless, the map provides a good sense of where and how often each government is conducting research outside its own waters.

The terms “research vessel” and “survey vessel” are commonly used for ships engaged in three types of activity: marine scientific research, naval surveillance, and commercial surveys, especially for oil and gas. Each of these activities is governed differently under international law, which makes it very important that coastal states be able to distinguish which a ship is undertaking.

The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) requires governments to seek permission at least six months in advance for marine scientific research in another state’s EEZ or continental shelf. Coastal states are expected to provide that consent with a few exceptions. These include if the coastal state suspects that research is commercial in nature, if it involves drilling into the continental shelf, or if the requesting state provides inaccurate information. All states are free to conduct marine scientific research in international waters.

Naval research and surveillance is not clearly regulated by UNCLOS. Most countries, including the United States, maintain that there are no restrictions on the right to conduct military surveys within the EEZs of other states. But China and several others in the Indo-Pacific claim the right to block foreign military activities within their EEZs.

Commercial surveys within the EEZ or on the continental shelf must have the coastal state’s permission. In areas beyond the continental shelf, commercial seabed rights are regulated by the International Seabed Authority.

It is usually possible to determine which category of research a vessel is undertaking based on its ownership and designation. In the U.S. case, the Navy operates a fleet of research ships dedicated to military surveys. At least seven of these ships operated in the region over the past year, though much of their research likely occurred when they were not transmitting AIS. Publicly funded marine scientific research, by contrast, is undertaken by civilian agencies like the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and National Science Foundation, or by government vessels leased to public universities. Commercial surveys are left to the private sector.

Most countries maintain a similar distinction between naval survey ships, vessels engaged in marine scientific research, and ships involved in commercial operations. But China does not. The People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) has some research ships of its own, but it also relies heavily on the work of ships controlled by other agencies, mostly under the Ministry of Natural Resources, that conduct both military and civilian marine scientific research. A different set of institutions originating from the former Ministry of Land and Resources conduct commercial surveys of mineral resources, but they also have formal cooperation with the PLAN and presumably share scientifically and militarily relevant data with other departments. The reverse is also likely true when other agencies collect data of commercial value.

The Xiang Yang Hong 01 is a case in point. It is one of a fleet of vessels transferred to the new Ministry of Natural Resources from the State Oceanic Administration when the latter was disbanded in 2018. As noted above, Australian authorities believe the ship was conducting military surveys when operating in international waters between the Australian mainland and Christmas Island in early 2020. It conducted similar surveys in the eastern Indian Ocean—an area frequented by numerous Chinese survey ships over the last year—and in the western Pacific Ocean. The latter included part of the EEZs of Papua New Guinea and the Federated States of Micronesia. Understanding the bathymetry in these areas is critical if Chinese submarines hope to effectively operate beyond the “first island chain” surrounding China’s near waters.

The Xiang Yang Hong 01’s sister ships undertake similar surveys that at times appear military rather than civilian in nature. In June 2019, the Xiang Yang Hong 03 circled within 30 nautical miles of the U.S. territories of Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands before conducting a bathymetric survey in waters that included part of the U.S. EEZ. A few months later, the ship appeared to conduct research near Hawaii, approaching in a straight line to within 75 nautical miles of the U.S. state before doubling back on its course.

Aside from China and the United States, Japan was the only country whose research vessels operated across the entire Indo-Pacific over the last year. But Tokyo clearly distinguishes between marine scientific research vessels overseen by civilian agencies and military survey ships controlled by the Self-Defense Forces. For instance, the Japan Meteorological Agency’s Keifu Maru conducted research cruises along several meridians in the Pacific over the last year, traversing both international waters and coastal EEZs. The agency has been observing ocean conditions along one of these—the 137th degree of eastern longitude—annually since 1967 . Its ships stop at set intervals to collect data including temperature, salinity, oxygen, and nutrient levels at different depths.

Compared to other players in the region, Southeast Asian governments operate relatively few research vessels. And most of those confined their activities to their own waters over the last year, with one notable exception. In May 2019, the Philippine military’s Hydrographer Presbitero was reported to be conducting research near Thitu Island, the Philippines’ largest occupied feature in the Spratly Islands and the site of persistent patrols by Chinese vessels from nearby Subi Reef. AIS shows that the ship also undertook an apparent seabed survey across a large area near Philippine-occupied West York Island. Most of this research took place within the Philippine EEZ or the territorial seas of contested rocks, but some of it included international waters (according to the 2016 ruling in the Philippines vs China arbitration).

The prevalence of marine research vessels across the Indo-Pacific is neither surprising nor in most cases problematic. But the confusion and potential violations of international law involving much of China’s fleet is different. In many cases, including those referenced above in Indian, Philippine, and U.S. waters, China did not secure the necessary permission of coastal states to conduct marine scientific research in their EEZs. The most likely explanation is that the surveys were military in nature and therefore not governed by UNCLOS. If so, this suggests a double standard in which Beijing demands that other states seek permission for military surveys in its EEZ while not requiring its vessels to do the same abroad. But it is also problematic that these surveys are being conducted by civilian agencies. It makes it impossible for a coastal state to know whether a Chinese survey vessel operating in its EEZ without permission is undertaking legal military surveillance, illegal marine scientific research, or even commercial surveys.

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Research & scientific vessels.

Damen Research Ships are ideally suited to seismic and hydrographic surveying operations and ocean research. Our small Survey Boats and Seismic Vessels can be arranged for specific operations and equipped with features such as laboratories and moon pools. Our Fishery Research Vessels were designed to aid sustainable fishing and marine stock management, but they have evolved into vessels that perform oceanographic/hydrographic operations, geological sampling, environmental research, and seabed mapping.

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Types of Ships: Exploring Maritime Vessels and Their Functions

Ships have played a significant role in human history, aiding in trade, exploration, and warfare. Over time, various types of ships have emerged to cater to different needs and purposes, both in terms of design and functionality. From ancient boats propelled by oars to modern merchant vessels using sophisticated technology, understanding the types of ships and their use helps us appreciate the development of maritime transport and the versatility of these vessels.

In the context of today's world, it is essential to know about different classifications of ships that we see on the waters. Commercial vessels carry cargo from one place to another, while passenger vessels transport people, sometimes for leisure and tourism. Specialized vessels, such as dredgers, tugboats, and research ships, have specific functions within the maritime industry. Military vessels like destroyers and submarines serve as essential parts of a nation's defense, while unconventional vessels like hovercraft and hydrofoils defy our expectations of what a ship should look like.

Key Takeaways

• Ships have evolved over time to cater to various needs, with different types serving purposes like trade, exploration, and warfare.
• Modern ships span a wide range of categories, including commercial, passenger, specialized, military, and unconventional vessels.
• Ship design and structure is tailored to the specific functions of a vessel, reflecting the ongoing development of maritime technology and transport.

Historical Development

Ancient Maritime Vessels

In ancient times, the construction and design of maritime vessels varied depending on the region and culture. Early ships' hulls were typically made from readily available materials, such as wood, reeds, and animal hides. One of the most well-known ancient ships is the Egyptian reed boat , constructed from bundled papyrus reeds and featuring a simple, flat shape for navigating the Nile River. In contrast, the Greeks built their ships with wooden hulls and used multiple oarsmen for propulsion, like the famous trireme .

Ancient Chinese ships, known as junks , had a unique hull shape with a high stern and a flat bottom, making them suitable for navigating shallow waters. Their sails were made from bamboo and silk, a combination that provided both strength and flexibility. By developing different types of vessels, ancient civilizations were able to engage in trade, exploration, and warfare across various bodies of water.

Evolution of Sailing Ships

As maritime technology advanced, the construction and design of sailing ships began to evolve as well. During the Middle Ages, the Vikings expertly designed longships with sleek, low-to-the-water hulls and shallow drafts, which enabled them to travel quickly and efficiently both on rivers and open seas. These ships were primarily constructed with oak planks and used a single, large square sail.

During the Age of Exploration, European ships, such as caravels and galleons, expanded on these innovations. They combined improvements in shipbuilding ^ Historical Perspective on the Structural Design of Special Ships with advances in navigation, which led to the exploration of new territories and the establishment of global trade routes. The introduction of multiple masts and various sail configurations allowed these vessels to optimize their speed and maneuverability, while their sturdier hulls enabled them to safely carry cargo and passengers across long distances.

The Age of Steam and Steel

The transition from wooden sailing ships to the Age of Steam and Steel marked a revolutionary change in marine architecture . The invention of the steam engine in the late 18th century led to the development of steam-powered ships. These ships boasted hulls made from iron or steel, offering greater strength, durability, and resistance to damage.

This period saw the birth of groundbreaking ship types, including paddle steamers, which used large paddlewheels for propulsion, and early screw-propelled ships that replaced the traditional sails and oars. The combination of steam engines and steel-iron hulls allowed these vessels to travel at faster speeds and handle rougher seas, further enhancing the efficiency of maritime trade and transportation.

In summary, the historical development of ships has been marked by significant advancements in construction, hull design , and shape. From ancient reed boats to state-of-the-art steamships, each era brought forth innovations that revolutionized maritime travel and shaped the world we live in today.

General Classification

By Size and Function

There are various types of ships categorized based on size and function, such as cargo ships, passenger ships, and military vessels. Cargo ships are primarily designed for transporting goods and can be further classified into categories like container ships, bulk carriers, and tanker ships. Passenger ships include cruise ships and ferries, which are designed to transport people. Military vessels, such as navy ships, are specifically built for defense and warfare purposes.

By Propulsion Method

Ships can also be classified based on their propulsion method. Some common types of propulsion systems include:

• Internal Combustion Engines : These ships use engines powered by fossil fuels, such as diesel or gasoline engines, driving a propeller.
• Steam Propulsion : Utilizes steam generated by boilers to power steam turbine engines that drive propellers.
• Electric Drive : Employs electric motors that drive the propellers, drawing power from on-board generators or batteries.
• Hybrid Propulsion : Combines multiple types of propulsion methods allowing ships to switch between them for improved efficiency.

By Construction Design

Another way to classify ships is by their construction design, focusing on the hull and other structural components:

• Single Hull : A traditional design where the ship's hull is composed of a single outer layer.
• Double Hull : Consists of two hull layers, providing extra protection against damage from collisions or grounding. This design is particularly common in tanker ships .
• Catamaran : Features two separate hulls connected by a structure, which increases stability and provides a wider deck area.
• Trimaran : Consists of a main hull flanked by two smaller outrigger hulls, improving stability and performance in comparison to single hull designs.

In summary, ships can be classified in several ways, including by size and function, propulsion method, and construction design. Each category covers a broad range of vessels, highlighting the diversity and complexity of the maritime industry. Each type of ship offers unique features that help serve different purposes and tasks.

Commercial Vessels

Commercial vessels are the backbone of international trade, transporting goods and commodities across the globe. These ships are designed for various purposes, depending on the type of cargo they carry. In this section, we explore the different types of commercial vessels , including cargo ships, tanker ships, container ships, and bulk carriers.

Cargo Ships

Cargo ships are specifically designed to transport a diverse range of goods. There are several types of cargo ships that cater to different requirements, including general cargo ships, which carry packaged items, machinery, and smaller equipment. Many modern commercial vessels integrate advanced technology , making their operations more efficient and environmentally friendly ^1^ .

Tanker Ships

Tanker ships focus primarily on the transportation of liquids and gases. Among the many types, oil tankers are the most common, playing a crucial role in the global energy industry. These vessels are designed to safely and efficiently carry petroleum products and other chemicals from one location to another. Their design considers stability and safety measures to minimize the risk of accidents ^2^ .

Container Ships

Container ships are designed for the transportation of intermodal containers , which can carry a wide variety of goods such as textiles, electronics, or food products. These ships come in different sizes and capacities, depending on the number of containers they can accommodate. Container ships have become integral to global trade, improving the efficiency of cargo transport.

Advantages of container ships include:

• Standardization: Intermodal containers make it easy to transfer goods between different transport modes, such as trucks, trains, or ships.
• Efficiency: Container ships can move large quantities of goods in one trip, reducing transportation time and costs.
• Flexibility: Containers can hold a variety of products, making it easier to transport different types of goods simultaneously.

Bulk Carriers

Bulk carriers are designed to transport large quantities of dry, unpackaged cargo such as grain , coal, or minerals. These ships have large cargo holds and are often referred to as "workhorses" of the merchant fleet ^3^ . Bulk carriers are categorized by size and capacity, with different classifications ranging from Handysize to Capesize vessels.

Some common types of bulk cargoes include:

• Grain: Wheat, soybeans, or rice.
• Ores: Iron ore, copper ore, or bauxite.
• Coal: Used for energy production and steel manufacturing.
• Other Commodities: Cement, fertilizer, or metal concentrates.

As international trade continues to evolve, commercial vessels remain essential for transporting goods and commodities across vast oceans, connecting industries and economies worldwide.

Passenger Vessels

Cruise Ships

Cruise ships are large vessels designed for recreational voyages that involve numerous onboard activities and amenities. They can accommodate thousands of passengers and often feature multiple restaurants, entertainment venues, and recreational facilities such as swimming pools and gyms.

Some of the largest cruise ships in the world are:

• Symphony of the Seas
• Harmony of the Seas
• Allure of the Seas

These ships are well-known for their luxurious amenities and engaging activities, providing an unforgettable vacation experience.

Ferries are a type of passenger vessel designed primarily for transporting people, automobiles, and cargo between two locations, often over short distances. They come in various sizes and configurations, from small pedestrian ferries to large, multi-deck vehicles and passenger transporters. Some ferries operate on a regular schedule, while others may only run when there is a demand for service.

Examples of popular ferry routes include:

• Staten Island Ferry (New York City, USA)
• Star Ferry (Hong Kong)
• Sydney Ferries (Sydney, Australia)

Ferries play a crucial role in connecting communities and allowing efficient travel across bodies of water. From fast catamarans to traditional double-ended ferries, their diversity enables them to serve various functions in different parts of the world.

Ocean Liners

Ocean liners are large, sea-going vessels that transport passengers and cargo across long distances, such as transoceanic voyages. These ships are built to withstand harsh oceanic environments and feature a sleek, streamlined design that enables them to maintain speed and stability in rough seas. Ocean liners often include various amenities for passengers, such as dining and entertainment options, while also providing cargo transport services.

Historically, ocean liners were the primary mode of long-distance travel before the widespread availability of air travel. They had a significant influence on the development of maritime engineering and ship design. Notable ocean liners from the past include:

• RMS Titanic
• RMS Queen Mary

While the modern passenger travel industry has shifted to focus more on cruise ships, ocean liners still hold a significant place in maritime history and the evolution of passenger vessels.

Specialized Vessels

Specialized vessels are designed to perform specific tasks or cater to particular industries. These ships often have customized equipment and structural modifications. This section will explore three major types of specialized vessels: Research Vessels, Fishing Vessels , and Icebreakers.

Research Vessels

Research vessels are used for scientific exploration, study, and data collection. They are typically equipped with advanced technological instruments and may be customized for specific fields of study such as oceanography, environmental science, or marine biology. Research vessels often include features like:

• Laboratories for analyzing samples
• Equipment for deploying sensors or collecting samples
• Advanced navigation systems

Some well-known research vessels include the R/V Atlantis and the R/V Sikuliaq .

Fishing Vessels

Fishing vessels are specialized ships used primarily for commercial fishing. There are several types of fishing vessels, including:

• Trawlers : These ships use large nets to catch fish. The nets can be dragged along the sea floor or towed in open water. Trawlers often have onboard processing equipment, allowing for efficient handling of the catch.
• Purse seiners : Purse seiners use large, vertically suspended nets to encircle fish. Once the fish are surrounded, the bottom of the net is drawn up like a purse, capturing the fish inside.
• Longliners : Longliners use a long main line with multiple smaller lines attached to baited hooks, which are set to target specific species of fish.

Each type of fishing vessel is designed with specific equipment and techniques to maximize efficiency and minimize environmental impact.

Icebreakers

Icebreakers are powerful, specialized ships designed to navigate through ice-covered waters. They have unique features such as:

• Reinforced hulls to withstand impact
• Strong engines for breaking ice
• Specialized bow shapes to ride up on the ice and crush it

Icebreakers play a critical role in maintaining trade routes, supporting scientific research, and aiding in polar exploration. Prominent icebreakers include the RV Polarstern and the USCGC Healy .

Specialized vessels such as research ships, fishing vessels, and icebreakers are essential to their respective fields, meeting specific demands and enabling humans to more effectively work and explore the world's oceans .

Military Vessels

Military vessels are an essential component of a nation's naval force, designed to carry out various missions such as defense, patrol, and surveillance. This section will focus on three main types of military vessels: naval ships, submarines, and warships.

Naval Ships

Naval ships are specifically designed for warfighting and can be classified into several categories, including destroyers , battleships , and corvettes.

• Destroyers : These fast, agile ships are typically armed with advanced weaponry and are used primarily for escort and anti-submarine warfare.
• Battleships : Heavily armed and armored, battleships were historically the backbone of a navy, providing massive firepower and long-range capabilities. However, their role has diminished with the advent of more advanced technology.
• Corvettes : Smaller than destroyers, corvettes are typically used for coastal patrol and defense, as well as anti-submarine operations.

Submarines are underwater vessels designed to execute covert and strategic missions. They can be divided into several categories, such as nuclear-powered, diesel-electric, and ballistic missile submarines.

• Nuclear-powered submarines : These submarines can operate underwater for extended periods and at high speeds due to their nuclear reactors.
• Diesel-electric submarines : Quieter than nuclear-powered submarines, diesel-electric submarines are often used for stealth operations, making them challenging to detect.
• Ballistic missile submarines : Armed with long-range nuclear missiles, these submarines act as a second-strike deterrent capability.

Warships are dedicated combat vessels that are designed for engaging in naval operations utilizing advanced technology and weapons systems . Some examples of warships include:

• Aircraft carriers : These large vessels carry various types of aircraft, including helicopters and fighter jets, providing powerful force projection capabilities.
• Frigates : Primarily used for escort duties and air defense, frigates are versatile ships with a balance of speed, maneuverability, and firepower.
• Amphibious assault ships : These vessels transport, deploy, and support ground forces for amphibious operations.

Each type of military vessel plays a crucial role in a nation's naval strategy, ensuring the protection of its maritime interests and providing necessary support during times of conflict.

Unconventional Vessels

In the world of maritime transportation and exploration, there are several unconventional types of vessels that offer unique capabilities and advantages. This section will briefly introduce three types: submersibles, hovercraft, and hydrofoils.

Submersibles

Submersibles are underwater vessels designed for deep-sea research and exploration. They have a smaller range and carrying capacity compared to their larger counterparts, submarines. Equipped with advanced technologies , submersibles can access regions below the ocean surface that are unreachable by other types of vessels. Some common applications for submersibles include:

• Oceanographic research: Studying marine life, geological formations, and conducting underwater tests.
• Search and rescue operations: Locating and recovering objects or people in deep-sea environments.
• Underwater photography and filming: Capturing stunning visuals of the ocean depths for documentaries and exhibitions.

Hovercrafts are unique vehicles that can travel over land, water, and various terrains with minimal contact to the surface below. They function by using a cushion of air generated by powerful fans, allowing them to "hover" above the ground. Some advantages of hovercraft include their ability to:

• Travel over multiple terrains: Grass, mud, ice, sand, and even shallow water are no obstacle for a hovercraft.
• Speed: Offering rapid transportation due to their lack of friction with the surface below.
• Low environmental impact: The cushion of air minimizes their impact on sensitive ecosystems and habitats.

Hovercrafts are used in a variety of roles, such as search and rescue, military and border control, and even passenger transportation for certain offshore vessels .

Hydrofoils are a type of high-speed vessel that uses underwater wings, or foils, to lift the hull of the ship out of the water as it gains speed. This innovative design significantly reduces water resistance, allowing the vessel to travel at high speeds with greater fuel efficiency. Some notable features of hydrofoils include:

• Speed: Capable of achieving speeds significantly higher than conventional vessels.
• Smooth ride: By lifting the hull above the water, hydrofoils reduce the impact of waves, offering a more stable and comfortable experience for passengers.
• Fuel efficiency: The reduced water resistance results in lower fuel consumption compared to conventional ships of similar size.

Hydrofoil vessels can be used for various purposes, such as passenger transportation, military operations, and even sports like sailboat racing.

Auxiliary Vessels

Auxiliary vessels are a category of ships that provide support to other vessels or maritime operations. They play a crucial role in ensuring smooth and efficient navigation, transportation, and maintenance of shipping systems. This section will discuss three important types of auxiliary vessels: Tugs, Dredgers, and Livestock Carriers.

Tugboats , or simply tugs , are small yet powerful vessels designed to maneuver and assist larger ships in confined spaces or during challenging conditions. They are equipped with strong engines and are highly maneuverable, making them essential for tasks such as:

• Pushing or pulling ships in and out of ports or berths
• Guiding vessels through narrow passages
• Assisting in the docking and undocking process
• Providing emergency assistance to ships in distress

An example of a state-of-the-art tugboat system can be found in this study on ship automatic berthing , where it discusses the use of auxiliary devices such as tugboats and side thrusters for safer and more efficient berthing operations.

Dredgers are specialized vessels designed for excavation and removal of sediment from the seabed. They are essential in maintaining navigable waterways, creating new shipping channels, and constructing or expanding ports. There are several types of dredgers, based on their excavation and sediment disposal methods:

• Cutter suction dredgers : Equipped with a rotating cutter head to loosen the sediment, and a suction pipe to remove the material.
• Trailing suction hopper dredgers : Use a trailing suction pipe to extract sediment, then transport it in a hopper for disposal elsewhere.
• Backhoe dredgers : Utilize an excavator or a crane with a bucket to dig and transport sediment to a barge or another designated location.

Cranes, such as those mentioned above, are an essential part of many dredging operations. Their versatility makes them suitable for other auxiliary vessel tasks as well.

Livestock Carriers

Livestock carriers are specifically designed ships for the transportation of live animals, such as cattle, sheep, and goats. These vessels are equipped with special features to ensure the safe and humane transport of the animals, including:

• Ventilation systems to provide fresh air
• Safe and comfortable flooring materials
• Feed and water systems
• Waste management systems

Some livestock carriers are even equipped with advanced features like climate control systems and veterinary facilities to provide the best possible care for the animals during their journey.

In conclusion, auxiliary vessels play a crucial role in supporting the maritime industry and ensuring smooth and efficient operations. Whether they are assisting ships in navigating through tight spaces, maintaining navigable waterways through dredging, or transporting live animals, auxiliary vessels are an integral part of the shipping world.

Ship Design and Structure

Hull configuration.

The design of a ship's hull is a critical aspect of its overall structure and performance. There are three main types of hull configurations: single hull , double hull , and multi-hull . Single hull ships are the most common and traditional type. They have a single, continuous outer shell that provides buoyancy and stability.

Double hull ships, on the other hand, have an additional inner shell which creates a space between the two hulls. This design is widely used in modern cargo vessels and oil tankers, mainly for increased safety and environmental protection.

Lastly, multi-hull ships consist of multiple, separate hulls connected together. Examples of multi-hull designs include catamarans and trimarans, primarily used for high-speed transport or recreational purposes .

Deck Layout

The deck layout of a ship is another essential element of its design that affects overall functionality and efficiency. Decks can be classified into the following types:

• Main deck : The primary and highest deck, which extends from the bow to the stern.
• Lower deck : Below the main deck, often used for cargo storage or machinery.
• Tween deck : A deck between the main deck and lower deck, typically found in larger cargo ships.
• Weather deck : The exposed, outer deck, which contains equipment for navigation and safety.

The arrangement of decks varies depending on the type of ship and specific requirements for cargo handling, navigation, and operational efficiency. Furthermore, modern ship designs account for crew accommodations, safety measures, and technological advancements in deck layout planning .

Machinery and Propulsion

Machinery and propulsion systems play crucial roles in a ship's design and performance. Most commercial ships are powered by diesel engines or diesel-electric systems. Diesel engines are known for their efficiency, reliability, and overall performance. Meanwhile, diesel-electric systems, where diesel generators produce power for electric motors connected to the ship's propellers, provide greater fuel efficiency and operational flexibility.

Propellers are the primary means of propulsion for most ships. The size, shape, and the number of propellers can significantly impact a ship's speed, maneuverability, and overall performance. Modern ship designs also incorporate advanced technologies for improving propeller efficiency, such as contra-rotating propellers , where two propellers rotate in opposite directions on the same shaft to minimize losses in propulsion efficiency.

Ship stability is of paramount importance for safe and efficient operations. Factors such as hull shape, buoyancy distribution, and the placement of cargo and machinery directly impact a ship's stability. Designers ensure stability by conducting comprehensive assessments and calculations during the ship design process .

Operational Categories

Deep Sea Navigation

Deep Sea Navigation refers to ships that traverse the open ocean , covering long distances and often crossing international boundaries. These ships are designed to handle the rough waters and challenging conditions of the open sea , often carrying large amounts of cargo or passengers. Examples of ships used for deep sea navigation include container ships and oil tankers.

These ships typically have a deeper draft, allowing them to navigate the ocean while transporting vast amounts of goods. They are equipped with advanced navigation systems to ensure safe and efficient passage through the ocean's vast expanse. Some key features of deep sea navigation ships include:

• Large cargo capacity : Designed to carry substantial amounts of cargo across vast distances.
• Deep draft : Allows the ship to navigate through deeper waters, away from coastlines.
• Advanced navigation systems : Ensures safe and efficient passage through open waters.

Short Sea Shipping

Short Sea Shipping , also known as coastal or regional shipping, involves the transportation of goods and passengers along coasts and between nearby ports. Ships operating in this category are typically smaller than deep-sea vessels, with a shallower draft suitable for navigating coastal waters . Examples of ships used in short sea shipping include Roll-on/Roll-off (RORO) ships and chemical tankers.

Short sea shipping has become an increasingly popular alternative to road and rail transport due to its lower environmental impact and potential cost savings. Some benefits of short sea shipping include:

• Reduced road congestion : Shifting freight from land to sea reduces the strain on road networks.
• Lower emissions : Maritime transport generally produces fewer emissions compared to land-based alternatives.
• Economic advantages : Short sea shipping can provide cost savings for businesses by reducing transportation times and costs.

Inland and Coastal

Inland and coastal shipping refers to the transportation of goods and passengers on rivers, lakes, and other waterways within a country's boundaries. Ships in this category typically have a shallow draft to navigate smaller waterways and access ports with limited depth. Examples of ships used for inland and coastal shipping include barges and tugs.

Inland and coastal shipping plays a crucial role in connecting remote regions and transporting goods between ports within a nation's borders. Some advantages of inland and coastal shipping include:

• Accessibility : Ships with shallow draft can access smaller waterways and ports, enabling transportation to remote regions.
• Lower costs : Inland and coastal shipping can be more cost-effective due to short distances and reduced infrastructure requirements.
• Environmental benefits : The use of waterways for transportation can reduce the environmental impact compared to land-based alternatives.

Industrial and Energy Vessels

Oil Tankers

Oil tankers are designed to transport large volumes of crude oil or refined petroleum products. They play a crucial role in fulfilling the world's increasing demand for energy. These vessels vary in size, with the largest ones known as Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCC) and Ultra Large Crude Carriers (ULCC).

The design of oil tankers focuses on maximizing cargo capacity while maintaining safety and efficiency. This includes features such as double hulls to prevent spills in case of a collision or grounding and advanced navigation systems to ensure smooth operations. In order to reduce energy consumption and environmental impact, some modern oil tankers are equipped with energy-efficient technologies like waste heat recovery systems and solar panels E.Tx .

Gas Carriers

Gas carriers are specialized ships designed for the transportation of liquefied natural gas (LNG) and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). These vessels have unique designs, featuring state-of-the-art containment systems to store the cargo at extremely low temperatures and high pressures.

There are different types of gas carriers, such as Moss-Rosenberg type , Membrane type , and Spherical type . The choice depends on factors like cargo capacity, trading routes, and operational requirements. Gas carriers also employ advanced safety measures, such as remote control systems and leak detection equipment, to ensure the safe transportation of hazardous cargo A.To .

Offshore Ships

Offshore ships support various operations in the oil and gas exploration industry, including drilling, production, and maintenance of offshore platforms . These specialized vessels assist with tasks such as anchor handling, towing, and supply of equipment and personnel.

Some of the key types of offshore ships are:

• Platform Supply Vessels (PSV): These vessels are designed to provide logistical support to offshore platforms, ensuring a steady supply of equipment, fuel, and provisions.
• Anchor Handling Tug Supply (AHTS) vessels: These ships assist in handling and transporting anchors for drilling rigs and other offshore structures.
• Multipurpose support vessels (MSV): These versatile ships can perform a variety of tasks, such as subsea construction, inspection, and maintenance.

Offshore vessels are increasingly integrating energy-efficient technologies to minimize their impact on the environment while maximizing their operational capabilities. This includes the use of hybrid power systems, advanced hull designs, and innovative propulsion technologies.

Cargo Handling and Stowage

Cranes and Equipment

Cargo handling and stowage onboard ships requires specialized equipment to ensure safe and efficient operations. One of the most common and essential pieces of equipment is the crane . Cranes come in various types and capacities, from small jib cranes to large container cranes. They are used to lift and maneuver cargo, as well as to load and unload containers or heavy machinery.

Another essential type of equipment is the cargo ramp, which facilitates the movement of wheeled cargo, such as vehicles and heavy equipment, between the ship and the shore. Ramps are usually found on Ro-Ro (roll-on/roll-off) vessels, where cargo is loaded and unloaded by driving or towing it on wheels.

Loading and Unloading Techniques

There are several techniques for loading and unloading cargo ships based on the type of cargo and ship being used:

• General cargo ships : These ships can carry various types of cargo, such as packaged, unitized, or palletized goods. They often use cranes or forklifts for the movement of cargo between the ship and the shore, as well as on the ship during stacking and stowage.
• Bulk carriers : These ships are designed to transport large quantities of cargo in a single hold, such as grain, coal, or minerals. They use specialized equipment like conveyor belts or grab cranes for the handling of bulk cargo.
• Container ships : Container ships are designed to carry standardized containers, which can be efficiently loaded and unloaded using gantry cranes. Containers are arranged in bays according to a stowage plan, which takes into account factors like container type, weight, and destination source .

Ballast Systems

Ballast systems are an essential part of cargo handling and stowage on ships, as they help to maintain the stability and trim of the vessel. Ballast tanks are compartments within the ship that can be filled with water or air to adjust the ship's weight distribution and balance. Emptying or filling ballast tanks can significantly impact the ship's draft, stability, and overall performance, especially when loading or unloading heavy cargo.

In summary, cargo handling and stowage on different types of ships involve various loading and unloading techniques, specialized equipment like cranes and ramps, and crucial ballast systems to maintain the vessel's stability. Each type of ship employs specific strategies to optimize cargo handling and stowage, ensuring safe and efficient transport of goods worldwide.

Vessel Classification and Registration

Classification Societies

Classification societies play a crucial role in the maritime industry. They are responsible for establishing and maintaining technical standards for the design, construction, and operation of ships. The primary goal of classification societies is to ensure the safety of the vessels , crew, and the environment. Some well-known classification societies include the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS), Lloyd's Register (LR), and Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (NK) among others.

Safety and Certification

The safety of ships and their crew is of utmost importance in the maritime industry. Classification societies work closely with ship owners, builders, and other stakeholders to ensure that vessels are built and operated according to the established safety standards. Ships are subject to regular inspections, surveys, and audits. These assessments verify that the vessel's design, construction, and operational safety measures meet the required regulations. Ships that successfully pass these inspections earn certifications, demonstrating they are compliant with safety standards.

Flags of Convenience

A flag of convenience (FOC) refers to the practice of registering a ship in a nation other than the country of the ship owner. This practice has become popular due to the various economic and regulatory benefits offered by certain nations, such as lower registration fees, relaxed labor laws, and lower taxes. However, this practice has also been criticized for potentially undermining the authority of national and international regulations, as well as contributing to substandard working conditions for seafarers.

In conclusion, vessel classification and registration are essential components of the maritime industry. The well-established safety protocols, roles of classification societies, and the benefits and consequences of flags of convenience all contribute to a complex and dynamic landscape in which ships operate.

Maritime Economics

Ship Ownership and Trade

The maritime industry plays a crucial role in global trade, with a diverse range of ship types such as container ships, bulk carriers, and tankers. Ship ownership varies from large shipping companies to individual ship owners, who make decisions on fleet sizes, types of vessels, and routes. The supply and demand of goods influence shipping rates, which in turn affect profits and decisions about vessel utilization.

Financial Aspects of Shipping

The financial side of maritime economics encompasses topics such as the economics of ship markets , investment strategies, and operating costs. Asset management is an essential aspect, as it involves decisions about purchasing and disposing of ships at the right time in the market cycle. Key factors that influence financial decisions include ship-related costs (e.g., fuel, maintenance, and crew wages) and market-related elements (e.g., freight rates and regulations).

Here is a list of common costs for shipowners:

• Capital costs (ship purchase or construction)
• Crew wages and provisions
• Maintenance and repairs
• Management fees
• Voyage expenses (ex. fuel, port charges)

Effective financial management is critical to ensure a profitable shipping operation, as fluctuations in trade and economic factors can impact revenues and profitability.

Maritime Law and Insurance

Maritime law governs relationships between shipowners, charterers, shippers, and other maritime stakeholders. It covers aspects such as vessel registration, maritime safety, and environmental protection. Additionally, it addresses disputes related to contracts, cargo claims, and vessel incidents.

Insurance is an essential component of risk management in the maritime industry, as shipping operations are exposed to various risks such as accidents, weather-related events, and piracy. Shipowners usually take out several types of insurance policies to cover their vessels, cargo, and third-party liabilities. Examples of insurance policies include:

• Hull and Machinery (H&M) : This covers physical damages to the ship's structure and on-board equipment.
• Protection and Indemnity (P&I) : This policy protects the shipowner from liabilities arising from incidents such as collisions, cargo damage, or pollution.
• Cargo insurance : This covers cargo loss or damage during transportation.

In summary, maritime economics involves various aspects of shipping, ranging from ship ownership and trade to financial management and legal matters. Understanding these elements enables stakeholders to make informed decisions and manage risks in the complex and challenging maritime sector.

Environmental Aspects

Pollution Prevention

One of the major concerns with watercraft is the emission of pollutants, both in the air and water. Ships contribute to air pollution through emissions of greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide (CO2), as well as other harmful substances like sulfur oxides (SOx) and nitrogen oxides (NOx). A study on the emissions and environmental impacts from the international fleet of ships revealed that different ship types and sizes have varying operational profiles, which in turn affect their environmental footprint. In recent years, the shipping industry has made significant strides to reduce polluting emissions by adopting cleaner fuels, retrofitting existing vessels, and designing new ships to be more energy-efficient.

Water pollution from ships is another major concern, as it can lead to oil spills , the release of hazardous chemicals, and the discharge of untreated sewage . To mitigate these risks, ships must follow strict regulations and guidelines on the management of wastewater and the release of pollutants into natural water bodies.

Ballast Water Management

Ballast water is used to maintain the stability and balance of a watercraft. As ships travel from one location to another, they may take in local water and organisms, which are later discharged at another port. This can lead to the introduction of invasive species and various environmental disturbances in the ecosystem of the destination. In order to address this issue, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has implemented regulations on ballast water management , requiring ships to treat ballast water before discharging it to prevent the spread of harmful aquatic organisms and diseases.

Sustainability Practices

As the global focus shifts towards sustainability, various technologies have emerged to help minimize the environmental impact of ships . These technologies, which span across different stages in the lifecycle of a ship, include:

• Ship Design : Ensuring that ships are designed with environmental considerations in mind, including hydrodynamic and aerodynamic efficiency, as well as energy-efficient propulsion systems and materials.
• Maintenance : Developing methods for regular inspections, maintenance, and hull cleanings to minimize drag, reduce fuel consumption, and improve overall vessel performance.
• Recyclability : Focusing on materials and designs that can be easily recycled or reused when a ship reaches the end of its service life.

Implementing these sustainability practices can contribute to a more environmentally responsible shipping industry, working towards a cleaner and safer environment.

Pleasure and Recreational Vessels

Pleasure and recreational vessels are used for leisure activities on water, such as enjoying sailing through seas and lakes, as well as for fishing. Some common types of these vessels include yachts, sailboats, motorboats, and personal watercraft.

Yachts and Sailboats

Yachts and sailboats encompass a wide range of recreational vessels used for sailing, cruising, and racing. A yacht can be a motor-driven or a sail-powered vessel designed for maximum comfort, while a sailboat primarily relies on sails for propulsion. Sailboats are available in different sizes and designs, such as dinghies , catamarans , and cruising sailboats .

Some common features of yachts and sailboats include:

• Rigging : the system of ropes or cables that support the masts and sails
• Hull : the body of the boat
• Keel : the fixed structure along the centerline of the boat's hull that provides stability
• Rudder : the movable fin used for steering

Motorboats are recreational boats powered by an engine, which allows for faster travel on water. These boats can be used for various activities such as fishing, water skiing, wakeboarding, and cruising in lakes and coastal waters. For fishing activities , motorboats are often equipped with fishing amenities like bait wells, rod holders, and fish finders.

Some popular types of motorboats include:

• Bowrider : a sporty boat with an open bow for seating
• Cabin cruiser : a larger motorboat with sleeping accommodations for extended trips
• Speedboat : a high-performance vessel designed for speed and thrill

Personal Watercraft

Personal watercraft (PWC) are small, agile vessels that provide an accessible and exciting way to enjoy recreational activities on water. These watercraft usually accommodate one or two persons and come in various designs like stand-up , sit-down , and sport models. PWCs are used for diverse activities such as racing, freestyle stunts, and recreational enjoyment.

Some advantages of personal watercraft include:

• Easy to maneuver : Considering their small size, PWCs can be easily operated and controlled.
• Low maintenance : They require minimal maintenance compared to larger vessels.
• Affordability : The price of PWCs is generally lower than that of yachts, sailboats, or motorboats.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the different classifications of cargo ships used in the merchant navy.

There are several types of cargo ships utilized in the Merchant Navy. The most common classifications include Bulk Carriers, Container Ships, General Cargo Ships, and Tankers. Bulk carriers transport large quantities of dry cargo such as grains, minerals, and coal. Container ships transport standardized shipping containers with various goods and products. General Cargo Ships are versatile vessels, carrying a mix of cargo types such as containers, vehicles, and palletized items. Tankers are specialized ships that transport liquid cargo like oil and chemicals.

How are sailing ships categorized by size?

Sailing ships are typically categorized by their size and rigging. Some common categories include:

• Dinghies: Small sailing boats usually with a single sail
• Sloops: Medium-sized sailing vessels with one mast and two sails, a mainsail and a headsail
• Ketches: Sailing boats with two masts, a mainmast, and a mizzenmast smaller than the mainmast
• Yachts : Larger, luxurious sailing vessels, usually for recreational purposes

Can you identify various types of historical sailing ships from the 1700s?

In the 1700s, several types of sailing ships were commonly used, such as Brigantines, Frigates, Galleons, and Ship-of-the-Line. Brigantines were two-masted sailing vessels with square sails. Frigates were fast and maneuverable ships with 24 or more cannons. Galleons were large, multi-deck ships primarily used for cargo transport but sometimes served as warships. Ship-of-the-Line were large warships with multiple rows of cannons and designed for battle.

What are the main types of military vessels and their purposes?

Military vessels serve various purposes and are categorized by their role and function. Some main types of military vessels are:

• Aircraft Carriers: Large warships designed to carry, deploy, and recover aircraft for offensive or defensive missions
• Battleships: Large armored warships with a primary battery of large-calibre guns
• Cruisers : Medium-sized warships intended for independent or auxiliary duties, equipped with multiple weapon systems
• Destroyers: Fast, maneuverable warships specifically designed to protect larger vessels and engage enemy ships
• Submarines: Underwater vessels typically used for stealth reconnaissance, deploying special forces, or launching guided missiles

How many distinct categories of boats are recognized worldwide?

There is no definitive number of boat categories recognized worldwide, as boats can vary significantly in size, design, function, and purpose. Different categorization systems exist depending on the region, industry, and intended use of the boat.

What are some typical names and classifications of ships used throughout maritime history?

Throughout maritime history, various names and classifications have been used for ships according to their size, function, and technology. Some examples include:

• Caravel: A 15th-century Portuguese sailing ship designed for ocean exploration
• Clipper: A fast sailing ship from the 19th century, primarily used for trade purposes
• Fluyt: A Dutch sailing vessel from the 1600s, used for transporting cargo
• Steamships: Ships powered by steam engines, used widely in the 19th and early 20th centuries
• Icebreakers: Ships designed to navigate and break ice for other vessels in polar regions

These are just a few examples of the various types of ships that have been used throughout history, showcasing the diverse range of vessel designs and purposes.

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Understanding the Different Types of Research Vessels

Research vessels are specialized ships designed for scientific research in the marine environment. These vessels are equipped with advanced technology and laboratories that allow scientists to conduct experiments and gather data from the ocean's depths. Understanding the different types of research vessels can provide insights into how marine research is conducted and the resources required for various scientific endeavors.

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Types of Research Vessels

1. oceanographic research vessels.

Oceanographic research vessels are designed to study the physical and biological aspects of the ocean. Their primary focus is on understanding ocean currents, marine ecosystems, and the ocean's physical properties. These vessels are equipped with tools like CTD (Conductivity, Temperature, Depth) sensors, AUVs (Autonomous Underwater Vehicles), and remote-operated vehicles (ROVs).

Example : The RV Atlantis is a famous oceanographic research vessel known for carrying the submersible Alvin , which has been used for deep-sea exploration.

2. Fisheries Research Vessels

Fisheries research vessels focus on the study of fish populations and habitats. They are crucial for managing and conserving fish stocks. These vessels are equipped with nets, trawls, and sonar systems to assess fish populations and study their behavior and habitats.

Example : The NOAA Ship Oscar Dyson is a well-equipped fisheries research vessel designed to study fish populations in the northern Pacific Ocean.

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3. Hydrographic Survey Vessels

Hydrographic survey vessels are used to map the seafloor and study the underwater topography. These vessels are crucial for safe navigation, laying underwater cables, and constructing offshore structures. They use multibeam and sidescan sonars to create detailed maps of the seafloor.

Example : The USNS Pathfinder is a hydrographic survey vessel that operates globally to support maritime navigation and safety.

4. Polar Research Vessels

Polar research vessels are specially designed to operate in extreme polar conditions. They are used for studying climate change, ice conditions, and polar ecosystems. These vessels are ice-strengthened to withstand harsh environments and are equipped with laboratories for conducting various scientific experiments.

Example : The RV Polarstern is a well-known polar research vessel that conducts research in both the Arctic and Antarctic regions.

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5. Atmospheric Research Vessels

Atmospheric research vessels study the atmosphere and its interaction with the ocean. They are equipped with meteorological stations and air sampling systems to monitor air quality and study atmospheric conditions over the ocean.

Example : The RV Ronald H. Brown is an atmospheric research vessel that conducts climate research and monitors environmental changes.

Research vessels are vital tools in the quest to understand our marine environment. Each type of vessel plays a specific role in expanding our knowledge of the ocean and contributing to global scientific efforts. By supporting a wide range of research activities, these vessels help protect marine ecosystems and inform policy decisions regarding marine resources.

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Frequently Asked Questions

• Mar 11, 2022

What is a Research Vessel?

Research vessels are purpose built to take scientists and scientific equipment to the sea to conduct research. Some are dedicated to one type of research, like the Chikyū

drillship, while others like the Nuyina icebreaker have more broad capabilities. There are many research ships in service, and we will take a look at how they work, some of the well-known vessels, and what the future holds with unmanned and autonomous vessels.

History of research ships

Replica of Captain Cook’s Endeavor . “ By colin f m smith, CC BY-SA 2.0 ”.

Research vessels have their roots in early exploration as people took to the seas to find answers to their world. The HMS Endeavor sailed in 1768 on a voyage of discovery for the British Royal Navy and is considered the first research vessel. Their mission was to explore the Pacific Ocean for Terra Australis Incognita, or “unknown southern land”, according to Wikipedia . After leaving Plymouth, going around Cape Horn, and making the journey to Tahiti, it observed the 1769 transit of Venus across the Sun. The ship then headed south finding islands like Bora Bora, eventually anchoring in New Zealand in September 1769. According to Wikipedia , she became “the first European vessel to reach the islands since Abel Tasman's Heemskerck 127 years earlier.” In 1770 it reached Australia, running aground on the Great Barrier Reef and after repairs, rounded the Cape of Good Hope in 1771 and reached the English port of Dover after three years at sea.

In the late 1800s interest grew in exploring the North and South Poles, with many ships meeting a grim fate. Others made numerous scientific observations including hydrographical, meteorological, and magnetic surveys while getting quite close to the North Pole. Ships also rushed to the Antarctic, with the Belgica being the first ship to overwinter there with 80 scientists on board. More journeys to the frigid poles in the 1900s resulted in better vessels with round hulls to withstand ice pressures and better preparedness for harsh conditions and deadly ice. By the 1950s international collaboration on research vessels had begun, with Canadian, American, and Japanese vessels working closely. Now countries all over the world work together on oceanographic research and companies like Ocean Infinity are building fleets of autonomous vessels that can stay at sea for months at a time without crew, collecting data for research.

“ The Belgica 1898 photograph showing the ship stuck, held fast, in the ice with three crew members in the foreground”. “By Frederick Cook - Public Domain ”.

Special capabilities

Research vessels have many special capabilities not seen in normal ships. Research may require long periods at sea, and many research vessels carry dozens of scientists, requiring facilities for recreation, exercise and food. Many have special laboratories to perform experiments and analyze samples on site, the ability to launch remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), cranes to lift heavy equipment into and out of the water, and strong hulls to withstand ice.

According to Wikipedia , some of the more specialized vessels are:

Oceanographic research vessels that examine the biological, physical, and chemical characteristics of water, as well as the atmosphere and climate. They are built to collect water samples at different depths, perform hydrographic sounding of the sea floor, and carry many sensors onboard. They also support divers and ROVs.

Hydrographic survey vessels are built specifically for hydrographic research to produce nautical charts and can also conduct seismic surveys of undersea geology with air cannons. Like many other research vessels, they can support multiple roles.

Polar research vessels use an icebreaker hull to navigate in cold waters and get through layers of surface ice. They conduct research as well as replenish research bases like those in the Antarctic.

Fisheries research ships tow fishing nets and can collect plankton and water. They are similar to a fishing vessel but instead of space to store a large catch, they contain laboratories and scientific equipment.

Naval research vessels also exist to perform functions like mine detection, submarine location, and technology trials for sonar and weapons.

Icebreakers

Some icebreakers can break through ice 16 feet thick, usually achieved by running up onto the ice with the front of the ship until it cracks and breaks. This requires a strengthened hull with a rounded design for pushing away ice after it fractures so it doesn’t damage the ship. They are usually very heavy, don’t have stabilizers (meaning they pitch and roll on the open ocean), and have very powerful engines connected to easily replaceable propellers. Some even have air bubbling systems and heated water jets that assist the ice breaking process. They are purpose built and all of this extra power, weight, and special materials makes they quite expensive and not well suited for regular ocean travel, but perfect for research near the poles. Check out more about these ships in our article What is an icebreaker?

Nuyina under tow. Image Credit: Australian Antarctic Program .

The Nuyina is a an Australian research, supply, and icebreaking vessel all in one. Built to resupply Antarctic research bases, it travels from Australia to the Antarctic, doing research along the way while bringing supplies to one of the most harsh environments in the world. It has cutting edge technology like fiber optic cables that supply data and power to research equipment, a moonpool for ROVs and samples, and containerized labs for scientists. The vessel cost $500 million to build plus another $1.4 billion for operations for the next 30 years. Nuyina replaces the Aurora Australis and is a faster and larger vessel that runs so quietly scientists will be able to perform research in transit. It will hold 116 scientific personnel and 34 crew, and can embark up to four helicopters! Nuyina means southern lights in the native language of the Tasmanian Aborigines. Scientists study antarctica because it is a 4 kilometer thick layer of ice with a million years of history recorded inside, it’s also almost completely untouched by humans and a great place to study galaxies above or penguins right at your feet.

“R/P FLIP with a full Moon. Taken from the R/V Melville, November 2013. Photo: Evan Walsh”. Image from Scripps Institute of Oceanography .

FLIP stands for FLoating Instrument Platform and is a research vessel that flips 90 degrees with most of its hull going underwater. Ballast tanks fill with water, rotating the vessel into place so that only 17 meters is above the water with 91 meters below, leaving all the scientific instruments underwater to collect data. This is beneficial because the vessel is more stable to detect small fluctuations in subsurface sound waves caused by the ocean floor. It is still in operation, usually somewhere off the west coast of the United States where it has to be towed into position due a lack of propulsion since engines could damage the sensitive equipment inside the vessel. It was built in 1962 and can handle 80 foot swells. This unique vessel is operated by Scripps Institution of Oceanography’s Marine Physical Laboratory in California.

Chikyū on the water. Image from JAMSTEC .

Chikyū holds the world record for deepest drilling into the sea floor by any vessel in the world. The mission of this ship is to retrieve samples from the mantle below the Earth’s crust at plate intersections to understand how plates move and create earthquakes like the one that devastated Fukushima. The vessel’s name means “Earth”, and is operated by the Japanese Agency for Marine Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC). Scientists look for the best places to drill in the hopes of drilling into an asperity, or bulge where tectonic plates push against each other and distort, storing energy that can be released in an earthquake. No one has ever sampled magma directly from the mantle, which is why this ship was built with the best drilling technology, which has so far allowed it to drill 3,250 meters, still short of its 5,200 meter goal. Each time the vessel goes out they get valuable information on getting a little farther down.

Chikyū is a dynamically positioned vessel, meaning it use thrusters to stay on station in the ocean without the use of anchors. This is especially important for deepwater drilling as anchors aren’t really feasible at extreme depths. DP systems use computer controls to adjust thrusters to keep ships in place even in rough seas. Drilling deep into the Earth can take months, so the vessel has to stay in position for all that time regardless of winds, waves, and weather. Check out more about dynamic positioning in our article What is dynamic positioning?

Autonomous research vessels

Ocean Infinity Armada render. Image from Ocean Infinity .

With the growth of autonomous technology, some research vessels no longer need to be manned and can stay at sea for months without human interference. Ocean Infinity is building a fleet of these vessels to perform research on the oceans and weather patterns across the world. They’ve also searched for shipwrecks, collected geophysical, geotechnical, and seismic data, and used their technology in Antarctic research expeditions, according to Ocean Infinity . They sent Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) and ROVs under the ice shelves measure physical and biological parameters below the sea ice.

Saildrone also operates unmanned vessels to collect data on the oceans. In September of 2021 they sailed one of their drones into the eye of a hurricane, collected the first video from an unmanned ship inside a hurricane at sea, according to The Maritime Executive . Autonomous and unmanned technology makes leaving research ships at sea for months, collecting data from under ice sheets, and taking readings inside hurricanes much more accessible to scientists around the world.

Future Research

Although advances in technology make it possible to go places it would be too dangerous for humans, there are still plenty of problems that need people on-site. Being able to immediately analyze a fresh core sample from 3,000 meters below the ocean floor allows scientists to see microorganisms that live there in real-time. Being on location in Antarctica to study penguins or the night sky is still no replacement for a camera feed. As technology advances, we will continue to see manned and unmanned research vessels working together to advance the knowledge of humankind. We hope we can do our part by testing those ship’s electrical systems to make sure they’re safe!

Happy Friday!

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_research_ships

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HMS_Endeavour

https://www.onesteppower.com/post/what-is-icebreaker

https://www.onesteppower.com/post/fun-facts-rsv-nuyina-icebreaker-research-vessel

https://www.onesteppower.com/post/flip-ship-goes-vertical

https://www.onesteppower.com/post/chikyu-drillship

https://oceaninfinity.com/projects/weddell-sea-expedition/

https://www.maritime-executive.com/article/video-saildrone-drives-unmanned-boat-into-the-middle-of-hurricane-sam

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RV_Belgica_(1884)

https://www.antarctica.gov.au/

https://oceaninfinity.com/marine-robotics/

https://oceaninfinity.com/projects/

https://marinebiology.uw.edu/field-stations-ships/research-vessels/

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Introduction

While ships such as cargo carriers and passenger ships are used for commerce, there is another category of ships known as research vessels which are used for carrying out different types of research and in this article we will be learning about these different types of ships used for research and science exploration.

Types of Research Vessels

Ships are not meant for warfare or profitability purposes alone. The ocean is filled with treasures in the form of knowledge which has to be explored and research ships do exactly the same. There are various sub types of research ships as follows.

Research ships might have to go to harsh environment such as the Polar Regions hence most of these research vessels have somewhat similar design to the ice breakers i.e. double hull design plus other features depending on which type of ship it is and for what all purposes can it be used.

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• August 30, 2024
• Naval Architecture , News , Shipbuilding , Shipyard News

KAUST orders Saudi Arabia’s first regional class research vessel

Credit: Glosten

KAUST (King Abdullah University of Science and Technology) announced that Freire Shipyards, which has over 100 years of shipbuilding experience, will build its new research vessel, R/V Thuwal II , at its yard in Vigo, Spain. Upon its expected completion in 2026, R/V Thuwal II will be the first regional class research vessel for Saudi Arabia and enable complete access to the Red Sea, including coastal waters and the deep sea.  

R/V Thuwal II will be the flagship of the Saudi research vessel fleet and available to serve all marine research interests of the nation including giga-projects and government ministries. It will have the capacity to explore all the major scientific interests of the Red Sea, such as coral reefs, other marine life and geological formations, which will both strengthen Saudi research and attract more international partners. With the Red Sea already of high interest to many scientific communities, the vessel will encourage more scientific collaboration, strengthening the Kingdom’s status as a scientific leader. 

Accordingly, the R/V Thuwal II , which will be 50 meters (164 feet) in length and 12.8 meters (42 feet) in width with a draft of 3.6 meters (11.8 feet), has been designed for a 30-year lifespan; its modular design allows for multiple types of experimental laboratories to serve existing and future marine technology for Red Sea exploration. This modularity also allows for incorporating new green propulsion technologies to lower its carbon footprint over the years. In addition to its primary function as a research vessel, the R/V Thuwal II will also be able to support national responses to emergencies like oil spills and marine and aviation accidents in the Red Sea. 

From a scientific perspective, R/V Thuwal II has a capacity for 30 people, 12 of whom are crew, and the remaining slots open to researchers. The new ship will be capable of exploring the deepest parts of the Red Sea and of deploying a variety of remotely operated vehicles and autonomous underwater vehicles to conduct visual and acoustic surveys, sample seawater and map the seafloor.  

The R/V Thuwal II was designed by Seattle-based Glosten , who will continue to provide off-site engineering support during the construction. Maritime Survey International (Australia) was selected as KAUST’s on-site owners’ representative and will oversee the day–to-day construction activities.  

The planning of the R/V Thuwal II has involved dozens of stakeholders in the Kingdom, including giga-projects, government ministries and several in-Kingdom universities, with expertise in ocean science and marine operations.  

“R/V Thuwal II symbolizes KAUST’s commitment to enhancing Saudi Arabia’s research infrastructure and the exploration of the Red Sea.  The ship will be accessible to partners with a shared interest in understanding the Red Sea and unlocking its vast potential,” said KAUST Vice President of Research Pierre Magistretti. 

“It is an honor for Freire Shipyard to collaborate with KAUST in building the R/V Thuwal II , a vessel that not only symbolizes KAUST’s commitment to enhancing Saudi Arabia’s research infrastructure and exploring the Red Sea but also opens up new opportunities for scientific collaboration and technological advancement in the region,” said Marcos Friere Garcia, one of the director generals of Friere Shipyard. 

The Red Sea is of critical importance to the Kingdom’s transformation over the next several decades and is a major component of Vision 2030 and beyond. Its study will impact food security, water management, urban planning and many other economic sectors as well as create hundreds of thousands of jobs and provide a wealth of knowledge about our planet and the life that inhabits it. 

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Research Vessels

We’re proud of Vard’s Marine’s extensive and varied experience designing research vessels.

Over the years we’ve prepared more than 30 designs for funded programs that span the spectrum of research – from hydrographic, seismic and fisheries to meteorological and oceanographic exploration. Depending on the role, these vessels demand excellent sea-keeping, low noise characteristics and/or high manoeuvrability or station-keeping capabilities.

Vard Marine is up to the challenge.

Our research vessels design philosophy

From vessels designed to withstand the pressures and strain of ice-infested waters to those that adhere to ICES guidelines for noise mitigation, Vard Marine's research vessel designs are always at the forefront of industry requirements and technological advancements.

The extensive resources of our parent companies complements our first-hand industry experience. In fact, VARD Group AS in Norway and Fincantieri in Italy are international pre-eminent designers and builders of research vessels. Coupled with their comprehensive databases of proven designs to augment our own resources, Vard Marine can quickly assemble the optimal starting point for each engagement and efficiently tailor your design to your unique requirements.

The client advantage

As a result, Vard Marine's unique approach produces a vessel that is perfectly fit for the type of research it will undertake and conditions it will operate in, buildable and affordable.

We don’t stop there

Furthermore, once your design is complete, Vard Marine can provide support through succeeding phases to ensure continuity. For instance, we offer onsite construction guidance right through to performance validation at sea trials .

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Contact the Vard team and make your next project your most successful one.

Phone: +1 604.216.3360 Email:  [email protected]

New DNR research vessel will be solar powered, made in Michigan

A state-of-the-art research vessel will soon hit the water for the state Department of Natural Resources. It’s being built by a Michigan company and will replace the state’s oldest working boat.

“The Steelhead” has been used by the Department of Natural Resources to survey fish populations since the 1960s – but the boat wears many hats. It’s also been used to stock game fish, track water data, provide search and rescue and much more.

“Data collected aboard the S/V Steelhead over the last 56 years have been instrumental in providing fisheries managers with the information needed to effectively and appropriately manage Lake Michigan's fish populations,” said Patrick Hanchin, manager of the DNR’s Charlevoix Fisheries Research Station.

Hanchin said the new vessel, called the Steelhead II, will be better suited to study the Great Lakes in the 21st century.

Over the years, the Steelhead has required more repairs but parts for the nearly six-decade-old boat have been harder to find.

Hanchin said the Steelhead II will allow the crew to continue its work on Lake Michigan with improvements in safety, flexibility and dependability over the vessel’s projected 50-plus-year life span.

Solar power will supply some of the vessel’s lab technology and engine batteries. The crew’s quarters will also be more comfortable with individual rooms faring better on choppy water.

“Crew safety is greatly improved with state-of-the-art navigational systems, watertight compartment hull design and a gyro stabilizer designed to minimize the vessel roll in rough seas,” said Steelhead Captain Pat O’Neill in a press release.

The Onaway company Moran Iron Works will construct the vessel which Hanchin says will be wrapped up by the end of 2025. The DNR decided on Moran after a competitive bid process.

The award to a Michigan vessel manufacturer also aligned with the interest of the state Legislature, according to the DNR. Lawmakers appropriated the funding for the new boat as part of the 2023 state budget bill.

“This contract is a compliment to our entire team here at Moran Iron Works, and the pinnacle of success for me personally,” said Tom Moran, the company’s CEO. “Only because of that do we get the honor to build one of the most meaningful vessels on the Great Lakes. We will exceed the expectations of the DNR and make them proud they chose a Michigan company.”

Following delivery of the new vessel, the Steelhead likely will be sold at auction to recover funds for the DNR Fisheries Division.

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A Guide To Types of Ships

Cargo ships are classified into various types based on purpose, size, type of cargo etc.

The economic factor is of prime importance in designing a merchant ship. Every owner wants maximum return on their investment, which means a ship’s construction not only depends on the current economic necessities, but the factor of future adaptability also plays a part.

From the preliminary design of a vessel due for construction, the following information can be obtained:

• Displacement
• Propulsive characteristics and hull form
• Preliminary general arrangement
• Principal structural details

A layout of the various ship types and their subdivisions will be listed, covering a wide range of all vessels in operation. 

The type of ship plays an important role in deciding the above-mentioned parameters.

Related Read: What are Ship Prefixes for Naval and Merchant Vessels?

Types of Ships

Ships are mainly classified into the following types:

1. Container Ships

2. Bulk Carrier

3. Tanker Ships

4. Passenger Ships

5. Naval Ships

6. Offshore Ships

7. Special Purpose Ships

As the name suggests, a vessel structured specifically to hold huge quantities of cargo compacted in different types of containers is referred to as a container vessel (ship).

Types of Container Ships On Basis Of Sizes:

• Post-Panamax
• Post-Suezmax
• Post-Malaccamax

Learn about different types of container ships. 

Refrigerated Container Ships: These Vessels carry refrigerated cargo (mainly in refrigerated containers)

2. Bulk Carrier Ships

• Conventional bulkers
• Geared bulker
• Gearless bulker
• Self-discharging bulker

Read types of bulk carriers in detail here

Some other forms of dry cargo are:

• Tramps : A boat or ship engaged in the tramp trade does not have a fixed schedule or published ports of call.
• Cargo Liners : An ocean liner is designed to transport passengers from point A to point B. The classic example of such a voyage would be a transatlantic crossing from Europe to America.

Tanker ships are specialised vessels for carrying a large amount of liquid cargo. Tankers are further sub-divided into different types based on the cargo they carry.

Read in detail – What are tanker ships?

The main types of tankers are:

Oil Tankers: Oil tankers mainly carry crude oil and its by-products.

Liquefied Gas Carriers: A gas carrier (or gas tanker) is designed to transport LPG, LNG or liquefied chemical gases in bulk.

Chemical and Product Carriers: A chemical tanker is a type of tanker ship designed to transport chemicals and different liquid products in bulk

Other types of tankers: Some other types of tankers are juice tankers, wine tankers, integrated tug barges etc.

Based on their size, tankers are further divided into various types such as:

Learn about Types of Tankers

4. Roll-on Roll-Off Ships

• Pure Car Carrier (PCC) and Pure Car and Truck Carrier (PCTC) RoRo Ships
• Container Vessel + Ro-Ro (ConRo) Ship
• General Cargo + Ro-Ro Ship (GenRo) Ships
• Complete RoRo Ships

5. Passenger Ships

Passenger ships, as the name suggests, are mainly used for transiting passengers.

They are mainly classified into:

Ferries – Vessels used for transiting passengers (and vehicles) on short-distance routes are called ferries.

Cruise Ships – Mainly used for recreational activities, cruise ships are like luxurious floating hotels with state-of-the-art facilities.

They are further classified as:

• Liners, Cruise Ships, Pilgrimage Ships
• Cross Channel Ferries, Coastal Ferries, Harbour Ferries
• Arctic and Antarctic Cruises

Learn more about different types of passenger ships. 

6. Offshore Vessels

Offshore vessels mainly help in oil exploration and construction jobs at sea. Offshore vessels are of several types.

Some of the main ones are:

• Supply Ship: Vessels that supply to offshore rigs
• Pipe Layers: Vessels engages in laying pipes and cables
• Crane Barges or floating cranes: A crane vessel, crane ship or floating crane is a ship with a crane specialized in lifting heavy loads
• Semi-submersible Drill Rigs: These are Mobile Offshore Drilling Units to make stable platforms for drilling oil and gas
• Drill Ships: A drillship is a merchant vessel designed for use in exploratory offshore drilling of new oil and gas wells or scientific drilling purposes
• Accommodation Barges: Could be a stand-alone floating hotel or can include accommodation as well as space for Cargo
• Production Platforms: To extract and process oil and natural gas or to temporarily store product until it can be brought to shore for refining and marketing
• Floating Storage Unit (FSU) – Floating vessel mainly used for storage of oil and by-products.
• Floating Production and Storage Unit (FPSO): A floating production storage and offloading unit is a floating vessel used by the offshore oil and gas industry for the production and processing of hydrocarbons and the storage of oil
• Anchor handling vessels – These are used for offshore construction and installation operations.
• Diving vessels – Are vessels used by divers for diving in the ocean for underwater jobs.

Learn more about different types of offshore vessels here .

7. Fishing Vessels

Ships or boats used for recreational or commercial fishing at sea are called fishing vessels.

Fishing vessels are mainly classified into two types – trawlers and non-trawling vessels.

• Trawlers, Purse Seiners : A fishing trawler, also known as a dragger, is a commercial fishing vessel designed to operate fishing trawls. Trawling is a method of fishing that involves actively dragging or pulling a trawl through the water behind one or more trawlers. A purse seine is a large wall of netting deployed around an entire area or school of fish. The seine has floats along the top line with a lead line threaded through rings along the bottom. Once a school of fish is located, a skiff encircles the school with the net.
• Factory Ships : A factory ship, also known as a fish processing vessel, is a large ocean-going vessel with extensive on-board facilities for processing and freezing caught fish or whales

Learn more about types of fishing vessels here .

8. Speciality Vessels

Speciality vessels are constructed and used for specific purposes.

Tugs: A tug (tugboat) is a boat or ship that manoeuvres vessels by pushing or towing them.

Tenders – A boat or a larger ship used to service or support other boats or ships, generally to transport people and/or supplies, is called a tender vessel.

Pilot Crafts – Pilot crafts are used for the transportation of harbour pilots.

Cable Layers – Cable laying vessel s help in laying cables onto the sea bed. 

Research Vessels – They are special types of vessels used to carry out a variety of research at sea. Some of the most common types of research vessels are – seismic vessels , hydrographic vessels, oceanographic vessels, polar vessels etc.

Related Read: 12 Noteworthy Research Vessels

Salvage Vessels – Salvage vessels are vessels engaged in salvage operation; recovery of lost property at sea.

Lightships: A light vessel, or lightship, is a ship that acts as a lighthouse. They are used in waters that are too deep or otherwise unsuitable for lighthouse construction.

Barge Carriers : A barge is a flat-bottomed boat built mainly for river and canal transport of heavy goods.

Timber Carriers: Vessels that carry timber

Livestock Carriers: Vessels that carry livestock/animals

Ice breaker ships : They are used for cutting ice deposits in extremely cold climate conditions to make waters navigational.

Related Read: What is an Ice Breaker Ship?

9. High-Speed Craft

High-speed crafts are a special type of technologically advanced high-performance (typically high speed) marine vehicles. Though most of these technologies are not used in commercial vessels, a few have been successfully implemented and tested in conventional merchant vessels of small scale.

Some of the main types of high-speed crafts are:

• Multihulls including wave piercers
• Small waterplane area, twin-hull (SWATH)
• Surface effect ship (SES) and Hovercraft
• Wing in Ground Craft (WIG)

Learn more about different types of high-speed crafts .

10. Dredgers 

Dredging is an excavation activity usually carried out underwater, in shallow seas or freshwater areas, to gather up bottom sediments and widen.

Dredgers are vessels with excavation tools used for removing sand and other types of deposits from the seabed. Dredgers are used for several purposes, such as making shallow coastal areas navigational, deep-sea mining etc.

Dredgers are mainly classified into two types:

• Mechanical dredgers
• Hydraulic dredgers

Learn in detail about different types of dredgers. 

You might also like to read:

• A Guide to Different Types of Boats
• Different Types of Barges; Uses And Differences
• A Guide To Types of Fishing Vessels
• Types of Sailboats – A Comprehensive Classification
• Types Of Mobile Offshore Drilling Units (MODU)

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In no event will we be liable for any loss or damage including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, or any loss or damage whatsoever arising from loss of data or profits arising out of, or in connection with, the use of this website.

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About Author

Raunek Kantharia is a marine engineer turned maritime writer and entrepreneur. After a brief stint at the sea, he founded Marine Insight in 2010. Apart from managing Marine Insight, he also writes for a number of maritime magazines and websites.

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13 comments.

I’m Anabelle. I work in an Insurance Company located in Mauritius. I’m interested to have information to benefit the market, even as insurer or insured.

@Anabelle: Please do check this article on ship insurance: https://www.marineinsight.com/maritime-law/different-types-of-marine-insurance-marine-insurance-policies/

Thanks for mentioning that barge carriers have flat bottoms and are commonly used in the transportation of heavy goods. The company I work for wants to expand our service area and will need to find a product handling service to help with the transportation. I’m glad I read your article so I can do some further research about barge transportation and see if it’d be a good option for us.

hello.it was so useful for me i have a question how can i have a pure car carrier except money what degrees i need and what is my first step please guide me thank u please send answer to my email

Hlo sight…I also want to join the merchant navy and I had finished my studies..but my academy is fake they send me here in samoa for fishing now I’m stuck,& I gave slots of money to my academy, now I nothing understand what I do in my life ,after 5 month m contract gonna finish!how I find the good academy?:(

@Sandeep: Once you are back, report it to DG shipping. Always choose that academy which is approved by DG shipping and provide sponsorship in FG ships.

Where is the reefer ship under?

Nice from Tanzania..this post it helps me in my studies here in Tanzania..thnks all

It’s very helpful for the fresher as well as seafarers. It’s really gives brief information. Thank you.

Am welder looking for shipping work, what can I do to get the the ship work? Help me to get the ship.

@Davis: Glad the article is useful. Good luck 👍

Thanks for sharing.

There are good ships and wood ships, ships that sail the sea, but the … See All Comments. Here are some other inspiring

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