Shipping

Shipping is the transport of cargo between seaports by ships, typically large steel vessels powered by diesel engines or steam turbine plants. Many nations have built specialized naval ships to ensure the free movement of legitimate cargo; these "merchant navies" are essential to the world economy, carrying the bulk of international trade. The ships are also extremely expensive constructions themselves, being the largest man-made vehicles ever.

Types of ships involved in shipping include:

• Container ships / Box boats
• Tankers
  • Crude Oil
  • Product
• General cargo ships
• Cable layers
• Offshore supply vessels
• DP(Dynamically Positioned) ships
• Ferries / RO-RO (RollOn-RollOff[?])
• Gas carriers
• Car carriers
• Tugs
• Dredgers

See also: affreightment