Container Ship

container ship [kən′tā·nər ‚ship]

(naval architecture)

A cargo ship which carries its cargo in weatherproof boxes (usually metal) of standard size, called containers, which need not be opened and are rapidly loaded or unloaded from the ship.

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Container Ship 

a ship for transporting cargo in containers. The construction of container ships rapidly increased after 1960 with the development of various types of container transport and the international standardization of container dimensions. The use of container ships has substantially cut transport expenses and loading and unloading time, in addition to ensuring the safety of cargo and its quick arrival at its destination. The carrying capacity of contemporary seagoing containerships is from 600 to 40,000 tons, and their speed is 22–65 km/hr (12–35 knots). The most common container ships are those with vertical loading (through cargo hatches). Containers are placed in the holds and on the upper deck (in one to four layers). Container ships usually run on the regular trade routes and are served at specialized container moorings by lifting cranes on shore.

REFERENCE

Danilov, D. I., and V. V. Beletskii. Treilernye i konteinernye suda. Leningrad, 1963.