Container Transportation Ship Facts

We’ve already talked extensively about shipping container facts, but what about the ships that carry them from port to port? A container ship is a cargo ship that carries all its load in intermodal containers, also known as containerization. Container ships are one of the most common means of commercial freight transport, carrying most seagoing cargo. Without container ships, we would be highly restricted in what we can transport, making them the lifeblood of industry and trade. East Coast Containers presents some interesting container ship facts.

9 Fun Facts about Container Ships

Container Ships are Huge. This may be common knowledge since they need to carry and transport thousands of shipping containers at one time. One of the largest container ships in the world, the HMM Algeciras, measures 400 meters long and 33.2 meters deep. That’s roughly four football fields long and as tall as a large building – you have to see it yourself to understand the scale!

Container Ships are Powerful. These ships need massive engines to pull the weight of the ship, plus the cargo. Standard engines are nearly 90 feet long and capable of 108,920 HP.

Container Ships Loose Connection to the Outside World. Many ships do not have the luxury of internet access, which means crew members spend a good amount of time without contact to the outside world.

Container Shipping is Eco-friendly. While there is room for improvement, it is a more efficient way to transport goods compared to trucks and trains.

Container Ships Carry Landmarks. These ships are so massive they can transport iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower or the Statue of Liberty with ease.

Container Ships can Travel Long Distances on One Tank of Gas. While this isn’t the most economical way to travel (fuel is heavy & can affect ship speed), it is possible to travel halfway around the world on one tank of gas.

The Most Frequented Maritime Trade Route is the Trans-Pacific. This route runs from Asia to America and includes 12 economies including Australia, Canada, Chile, Japan, Mexico and more.  

There are more than 20 Shipping Container Ports in the United States. The five busiest are:

1. Port of Los Angeles, California
2. Port of Long Beach, California
3. Port of New York & New Jersey
4. Port of Savannah, Georgia
5. The Northwest Seaport Alliance (Seattle & Tacoma)

Read More: Ranking the Largest & Busiest US Container Ports

Cargo Vessel Size Doubled in the last 20 years.