Types of Ships and Their Common Abbreviations in International Shipping

A Complete Guide to Ship Types and Vessel Abbreviations in Maritime Transport

Ships are the backbone of maritime transport and offshore engineering, coming in a wide variety of types and sizes. Understanding the classifications and abbreviations of different vessel types is essential for anyone involved in shipping, logistics, or international trade.

Below is a detailed breakdown of ship categories and commonly used English abbreviations.

▍Main Categories of Ships

1. Cargo Ships

Used for transporting goods and commodities.

• Bulk Cargo Carrier — for dry bulk cargo like grains, ores, coal

• Container Ship — for transporting standard containers

• Chemical Tanker — for liquid chemicals

• Barge — flat-bottomed boat for inland or shallow waters

• RO/RO Cargo Ship — roll-on/roll-off vessels for wheeled cargo

• Oil Tanker — for crude or refined oil transportation

English Abbreviations:

• Bulk Cargo Carrier

• Container Ship

• Chemical Tanker

• Barge

• RO/RO Cargo Ship

• Oil Tanker

2. Engineering Vessels

Used for marine construction, dredging, and support.

• Cutter Suction Dredger

• Trailing Suction Hopper Dredger (TSHD)

• Pile Driving Barge

• Floating Crane

• Tugboat

English Abbreviations:

• Wring-Suction Dredger

• TSHD

• Pile Driving Barge

• Floating Crane

• Tugboat

3. Fishing Vessels

Designed for various types of fishing and seafood transport.

• Trawl Boat

• Light Fishing Vessel

• Angling Vessel (Fishing Boat)

• Fresh-keeping and Transport Vessel

English Abbreviations:

• Trawl Boat

• Light Fishing Vessel

• Angling Vessel

• Freshkeeping & Transport Ship

4. Passenger Ships

For transporting passengers and tourists.

• Passenger Liner

• Ferry

• Tourist Vessel

• Cruise Ship / Mail Steamer

English Abbreviations:

• Passenger Liner

• Ferry

• Tourist Vessel

• Mail Steamer

5. Official & Government Ships

Used for regulatory and administrative purposes.

• Channel Ship

• Ocean Surveillance Ship

• Fishery Administration Vessel

• Harbor Surveillance Ship

• Fireboat

English Abbreviations:

• Channel Ship

• Ocean Surveillance Ship

• Fishery Administration Vessel

• Harbor Surveillance Ship

• Fireboat

6. Military Ships

Used by armed forces for defense and logistics.

• Warship / Naval Vessel

• Military Transport Ship

English Abbreviations:

• Military Vessel

• Military Transport Ship

▍Popular Vessel Types & English Abbreviations

Bulk Carriers

• Handysize: ~20,000–50,000 DWT

• Panamax: ~60,000–75,000 DWT, max dimensions to pass Panama Canal (≤274.32m long, ≤32.3m wide)

• Kamsarmax: ~80,000–89,999 DWT

• Capesize: ~150,000 DWT

Container Ships

Identified by cargo hold structure:

• Centralized container holds: True container ships

• Other types / fixed holds: General cargo ships

Oil Tankers

• ULCC (Ultra Large Crude Carrier): >300,000 DWT

• VLCC (Very Large Crude Carrier): 200,000–300,000 DWT

• Suezmax: 120,000–160,000 DWT

• Aframax: 80,000–120,000 DWT

• Panamax: 60,000–80,000 DWT

▍Common Shipping Vessel Abbreviations