GlossaryEN1 min readUpdated: Jun 22, 2026
Cargo ship
A cargo ship is any seagoing vessel built primarily to carry goods rather than passengers, serving as an umbrella term for container ships, bulk carriers, general cargo vessels, multipurpose ships, and reefer vessels.
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Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cargo_ship
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Definition & Explanation
A cargo ship is any seagoing vessel built primarily to carry goods rather than passengers, serving as an umbrella term for container ships, bulk carriers, general cargo vessels, multipurpose ships, and reefer vessels. Ro-Ro vessels and tankers fall within this definition in its widest sense but are treated as distinct categories in day-to-day shipping practice. Hold configuration, hatch dimensions, and crane capacity vary considerably depending on the target cargo type and the ports served. For forwarders, correct vessel-type identification matters when booking capacity, drafting bill of lading clauses, and assessing applicable liability frameworks.
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