What Are the Types of Container Ships? How to Choose the Most Suitable Transport Method?

What Are the Types of Container Ships and How to Choose the Most Suitable Transportation Method?

With the continuous development of global trade, container ships, as an important part of modern shipping, play an indispensable role in international logistics. Not only do they carry a large amount of goods, but they also meet the needs of different customers through their diverse types. So, what are the specific types of container ships? And how to choose the most suitable transportation method?

Firstly, container ships can be roughly divided into full-container ships, semi-container ships, and multi-purpose container ships according to ship type and function. Full-container ships are specifically designed for transporting standard containers. Their decks are almost entirely equipped with container grids, enabling efficient loading and unloading of standardized container cargo. These ships usually have high speed and large cargo capacity, making them ideal for long-distance, large-scale cargo transport. For example, the world's largest container ship, the MSC Irina, which entered service in 2025, is a full-container ship. With a total length exceeding 400 meters and a carrying capacity of up to 24,116 TEUs, it is one of the largest operating container ships in the world.

Semi-container ships, on the other hand, use part of the deck for container loading while reserving the rest for other types of cargo transport. This type of vessel has high flexibility, allowing it to transport ordinary containers as well as handle bulk or special cargoes. For instance, some semi-container ships along coastal routes adjust their loading plans flexibly based on demand to accommodate various types of cargo.

Multi-purpose container ships are vessels that integrate multiple functions. They can transport containers as well as bulk cargo, heavy equipment, and other special cargoes. This ship type is particularly suitable for enterprises that need to transport different types of goods simultaneously. In recent years, with the rapid growth in new energy vehicle exports, many multi-purpose container ships have been modified into roll-on/roll-off ships specifically for transporting new energy vehicles, thus occupying a place in international trade.

When choosing the appropriate container ship transportation method, enterprises should comprehensively consider factors such as the characteristics of the goods, transportation distance, cost budget, and time requirements. If the goods are standard containers and the transportation distance is long, then choosing a full-container ship is undoubtedly the most economical and efficient solution. For situations requiring mixed loading of different types of cargo, semi-container ships or multi-purpose container ships can be selected. It is worth noting that in recent years, the enhancement of environmental awareness has prompted shipping companies to pay more attention to green transportation. When selecting a transportation method, one should also consider whether the ship adopts energy-saving and emission-reduction technologies, such as using liquefied natural gas LNG power or optimizing propulsion systems.

With the development of digital technology, intelligent management has become a major trend in modern shipping. Many shipping companies have launched intelligent scheduling platforms based on big data analysis to help enterprises plan transportation routes and schedules more accurately. For example, a well-known shipping company introduced its smart logistics service at the beginning of 2025, utilizing artificial intelligence algorithms to predict market fluctuations and provide optimal transportation solutions, thereby significantly enhancing customer satisfaction.

In conclusion, there are many types of container ships, each with its unique advantages and applicable scenarios. When choosing a transportation method, enterprises not only need to consider current practical needs but also plan for future trends in the long term. Only by doing so can they ensure that the transportation process is both efficient and economical, truly achieving optimization and upgrading of the logistics supply chain.