What Is a General Cargo Ship? Key Features and Functions

Posted on Jan 24, 2025 at 10:01 PM

How do the world's largest vehicles and heavy machinery get transported worldwide? A General Cargo Ship is one of the most versatile vessels because it carries everything regardless of the deck space they require. But what are these world class freighter ships? How can they load cargo onto their hull? Get to know more about these specialised carrier ships in this article.

What Is a General Cargo Ship?

A General Cargo Ship is a type of vessel designed to carry various types of cargo that aren't suitable for containerships. These vessels are flexible and can handle a variety of cargoes from machinery and vehicles to pallets of goods and loose breakbulk items. Unlike container ships, which are restricted to specific container sizes and packaged decks, a general cargo ship can transport irregularly shaped items and  commodities that require different handling methods. They are often equipped with cranes and other specialized logistics to manage the safe navigation of diverse cargo kinds on and off the cargoship.

In essence, a general cargo ship is like the Swiss army knife of the shipping world—capable of handling almost anything that comes their way.

What Are 7 Types of Cargo Ships?

The world of maritime shipping is vast, and cargo ships come in many forms to meet different needs. Here are seven types of cargo ships , each with its specific purpose:

• Container Ships: These vessels are designed specifically for carrying standardized containers. They dominate global trade for goods that can be neatly packed into these boxes.
• Bulk Carriers: As the name suggests, bulk carriers transport loose bulk goods like grain, coal, or ore. They’re specialized for high-volume, unpackaged cargo.
• Tankers: Tanker ships are built to transport liquid cargo such as oil, chemicals, or liquefied natural gas (LNG).
• Reefer Ships: These ships are equipped with refrigeration units to hold perishable goods like fruits, vegetables, and pharmaceuticals to ensure safe delivery.
• Roll-on/Roll-off Ships (Ro-Ro): These vessels are designed for cargo that can roll on and off the ship, such as cars, trucks, and heavy machinery.
• Heavy-Lift Ships: These ships are specialized for transporting oversized and heavy cargo that can’t be divided, like large industrial parts or even other ships!
• General Cargo Ships: Finally, we have general cargo ships, whose design allows for the transport of mixed, irregular cargo that doesn’t fit into other categories.

Knowing these types of ships is important to the owner of any company that delivers or distributes stock across a series of countries. 

What Is the Difference Between Cargo and General Cargo?

While the term “cargo” refers broadly to any goods transported by ship, air, or land, “general cargo” specifically describes non-containerized goods that require individual handling. So, all general cargo is cargo, but not all cargo is general cargo.

General cargo can include items such as heavy machinery, steel coils, timber, and even vehicles. Unlike containerized cargo, which follows strict size and weight regulations, general cargo includes in all shapes and sizes (can even weight tons). This diversity is what makes general cargo ships so versatile. They can be adapted to handle many different types of goods, often within the same voyage, unlike other specialized vessels such as tankers or bulk carriers.

What Are the Key Features and Functions of a General Cargo Ship?

Now that we’ve established what a general cargo ship is, let’s explore its key features and functions:

Flexible Cargo Handling

The defining feature of a general cargo ship is its ability to handle different types of cargo, often within the same trip. These ships are equipped with cranes, derricks, and winches, making them self-sufficient when it comes to loading and unloading in ports without specialized infrastructure. This versatility is why they’re widely used in less developed regions or ports where containerization hasn’t fully taken over.

Compartmentalized Cargo Holds

To accommodate diverse dry and wet goods, general cargo ships have compartmentalized cargo holds, allowing for the segregation of different types of materials. This prevents contamination or damage and ensures efficient storage across the ocean. 

Onboard Cranes

Many general cargo ships have their own cranes and equipment for loading and unloading. This feature is especially important in smaller or less-equipped ports where external cranes may not be available. These cranes are often highly versatile and capable of lifting a wide range of cargo, from light pallets to heavy, oversized goods.

Mixed Cargo Capability

One of the main advantages of a general cargo ship is its ability to carry mixed cargo in the same voyage. For example, a single ship might carry a combination of palletized goods, vehicles, and large industrial equipment. This adaptability makes them invaluable in the shipping industry.

Lower Capacity Compared to Specialized Vessels

Although general cargo ships are incredibly versatile, they typically have lower cargo capacities than specialized vessels like container ships or bulk carriers. This is a trade-off for their flexibility, but for certain trade routes or regions, this makes them the most efficient choice.

Maritime Safety Standards

Like all commercial vessels, general cargo ships must adhere to strict international safety regulations, including SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) and MARPOL (Marine Pollution) conventions created by IMO. Many professionals looking to work aboard or operate these vessels often gain their qualifications from a Maritime training academy UK, ensuring that the crew is well-versed in safety procedures and proper cargo handling.

A general cargo ship is versatile, adaptable, and capable of operating in various conditions, 

making it an essential player in global sale. which is exactly why you should include this type of ship in your service. Whether you’re a maritime professional or just fascinated by the logistics of shipping, understanding these vessels' functions and features gives you a deeper appreciation of their role in keeping goods moving worldwide.