When you see a cargo ship sailing on the high seas, you may ask a question like “How many containers on a cargo ship?” due to how massive the ship is.
Considering that so many people around the world depend on global trade routes as their lifelines, it’s no wonder shipbuilders construct these steel behemoths to carry as many shipping containers as possible.
As such, businesses and container users need to know how many containers on a cargo ship and their maximum numbers.
General Specifications of Cargo Ships
Despite their many sizes and designs, cargo ships typically have a few basic characteristics.
Shipbuilders design cargo ships to have sizes between 200 and 400 meters (656 and 1,312 feet) long, 30 to 60 meters (98 to 197 feet) wide, and a draft of 10 to 15 meters (33 to 49 feet), which is the distance between the waterline and the hull’s bottom.
These ships are capable of transporting various items like bulk items, liquid cargo, and containers.
Tankers, bulk carriers, and container ships are the most prevalent cargo ship types. These include container ships, which can carry goods in uniform containers of different sizes.
The design and construction of cargo ships involve advanced engineering to ensure they can withstand harsh ocean conditions.
They typically feature a hull with high-strength steel construction and have powerful engines that help propel them through turbulent waters.
Most modern cargo ships also incorporate technologies to enhance fuel efficiency and reduce emissions, aligning with global efforts toward sustainability.
Factors Affecting Cargo Ship Capacity
Several factors influence how many containers a cargo ship can carry. Here are some key aspects to consider:
Type of Container
The size and kind of containers directly impact their overall capacity. Although 20-foot and 40-foot containers are the most widely available sizes, there are other containers with specific purposes.
Flat-rack containers for large products and refrigerated containers (reefers) for perishable commodities are examples of the more unique ones.
Ship Design
A ship’s capacity depends greatly on its design. While some may have sufficient stability or fuel efficiency as their top priorities, others may have specific designs to maximize container space.
How container owners load their containers onto the ship depends on the ship’s height, deck layout, and cargo hold configuration.
Weight Restrictions
The containers’ weight and cargo are part of each ship’s maximum load capacity. Going beyond this limit could jeopardize the ship’s stability and security.
This is why ensuring the overall safety of the journey and performing loading and unloading activities require precise weight management.
Loading Configuration
Capacity may vary depending on the ship crew loaded and stacked the containers. Although they may maximize capacity, various loading designs may affect how simple it is to unload at ports.
The weight distribution throughout the ship must also be calculated for efficient loading to maintain stability and avoid possible capsizing.
Draft Limitations
The number of containers a ship may carry depends on the water level in ports and canals.
Depending on local conditions, tides, and docking facility design, a ship must follow different draft rules in different ports.
How Many Containers That Can Fit in a Cargo Ship
Let’s look at the actual figures now that we know the details and variables influencing cargo ship capacity.
We can standardize several container sizes into a single measurement as container ships’ capacity is expressed in Twenty-foot Equivalent Units (TEUs).
Ships are classified according to their TEU ratings for container capacity. The best ships for their routes and the kind of cargo they plan to transport are identified by shipping companies and logistics suppliers using these ratings.
8-foot Containers
While 8-foot containers are less common in international shipping, they are still worth mentioning. These smaller containers can hold a limited amount of cargo, and their TEU equivalent would be 0.4 TEU (1 TEU is equivalent to a standard 20-foot container).
Therefore, a cargo ship that holds 20,000 TEUs can accommodate about 50,000 8-foot containers, assuming there are no other constraints.
Although not commonly used, 8-foot containers might find applications in niche markets or specific industries. They can be ideal for transporting small, lightweight items or specialized cargo that doesn’t require the full size of a 20-foot container.
However, they remain relatively rare in global shipping, with most vessels primarily designed to accommodate the standard 20-foot and 40-foot containers.
20-foot Containers
The 20-foot container is the standard unit in shipping. Most cargo ships are designed to carry a large number of these containers.
A typical cargo ship can carry anywhere from 1,000 to 20,000 TEUs, depending on its size and design. So, a vessel with a capacity of 20,000 TEUs can hold 20,000 20-foot containers.
The widespread use of 20-foot containers in logistics has made them the backbone of the shipping industry. Their versatility allows for efficient handling and transportation, making them suitable for a wide range of cargo, from electronics to clothing.
This standardization has also enabled ports and shipping lines to streamline operations, significantly reducing turnaround times.
40-foot Containers
The 40-foot container is also quite popular, especially for larger shipments. Since one 40-foot container is equivalent to 2 TEUs, a ship that can hold 20,000 TEUs can carry about 10,000 40-foot containers.
The increased capacity of 40-foot containers makes them an attractive option for shipping larger quantities of goods. They are often used for bulk items or items that require more space, such as furniture, machinery, or industrial equipment.
The flexibility of using both 20-foot and 40-foot containers enables shipping companies to optimize their cargo loads based on demand and shipping routes.
To summarize, here’s a quick look at how many containers can fit in a cargo ship based on their size:
- 8-foot containers: Approximately 50,000 in a ship with 20,000 TEU capacity.
- 20-foot containers: Up to 20,000 in a ship with 20,000 TEU capacity.
- 40-foot containers: About 10,000 in a ship with 20,000 TEU capacity.
Preview of the World’s Largest Cargo Ships
As technology advances, cargo ships continue to grow in size. Let’s take a look at some of the largest container ships currently in operation.
MSC Irina
The MSC Irina is one of the largest container ships in the world, with a capacity of 24,346 TEUs. It boasts an impressive length of about 400 meters (1,312 feet) and a breadth of 61 meters (200 feet).
This ship can carry a significant number of 20-foot and 40-foot containers, making it a crucial asset in global trade.
OOCL Spain
Another giant in the shipping industry is OOCL Spain. With a capacity of approximately 24,188 TEUs, this ship has been designed to maximize efficiency and container space.
Its sleek design and advanced technology allow it to navigate through major shipping lanes with ease.
ONE Innovation
The ONE Innovation is part of the Ocean Network Express fleet and can carry around 24,000 TEUs.
It features a modern design focused on fuel efficiency and reduced emissions, making it a more environmentally friendly option in the shipping industry.
MSC Tessa
The MSC Tessa is another remarkable vessel, with a capacity of approximately 24,116 TEUs.
Like its counterparts, it has been engineered for high performance, ensuring that it can handle large cargo volumes while adhering to safety and environmental standards.
Conclusion
Since the need for shipping containers only increases each year, knowing how many containers on a cargo ship is an important piece of knowledge. Furthermore, finding the best containers to protect cargo from the best vendors like Tradecorp is a surefire way of keeping your cargo safe during freight. Contact us via quote form and we’ll help you find the best shipping containers for your business needs!