Merchant Ship Types provides a broad and detailed introduction to the classifications and main categories of merchant vessels for students and cadets. It introduces the concept of ship classification by usage, cargo type, and size, and shows how the various size categories affect which ports and channels the types of vessels are permitted to enter. Detailed outlines of each major vessel category are provided, including:

• Feeder ship;

• General cargo vessels;

• Container ships;

• Tankers;

• Dry bulk carriers;

• Multi-purpose vessels;

• Reefer ships;

• Roll-on/roll-off vessels.

The book also explains where these are permitted to operate, the type of cargoes carried, and specific safety or risk factors associated with the vessel class, as well as their main characteristics. Relevant case studies are presented.

The textbook is ideal for merchant navy cadets at HNC, HND, and foundation degree level in both the deck and engineering branches, and serves as a general reference for insurance, law, logistics, offshore, and fisheries.

Alexander Olsen is a Senior Consultant at RINA Consulting Defence UK. He is STCW II 1995 qualified and has also worked as a marine training designer, marine auditor, and fisheries observer. He is the author of Introduction to Ship Operations and Onboard Safety, Core Concepts of Maritime Navigation, and Introduction to Ship Engine Room Systems (with Routledge).