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How to Choose the Optimal Vessel Type for Your Cargo: A Complete Guide
In my 10 years of experience as an international logistics specialist at WestComTrans, I have repeatedly observed how the correct choice of vessel became a decisive factor in successful transportation. According to the International Maritime Organization, more than 80% of global trade is transported by sea, making this issue critically important for businesses.
An incorrect choice of vessel type can lead to unforeseen costs, delivery delays, and even cargo damage. For example, placing containers with temperature-sensitive goods on a vessel without the appropriate equipment can result in a complete loss of cargo. Or attempting to save on freight by choosing a cheaper but slower delivery option sometimes leads to lost profits due to the untimely arrival of goods on the market.
In recent years, sea logistics has faced unprecedented challenges — from the container crisis of 2021-2022 to geopolitical instability in key transport corridors. This has made the choice of the optimal vessel type an even more complex and critically important task.
In this guide, I will share proven criteria for choosing the optimal vessel type that we use at WestComTrans when planning sea transport for our clients.
Main Types of Cargo Vessels and Their Purpose
In international sea logistics, several main types of commercial vessels are used, each designed for specific types of cargo. At WestComTrans, we regularly work with all these categories, selecting the optimal solution for specific client tasks.
| Vessel Type | Cargo Capacity (tons) | Average Speed (knots) | Approximate Freight Cost* | Main Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Container Ship | 10,000-220,000 | 20-25 | Medium-High** | Containerized cargo of any type |
| Bulk Carrier | 15,000-400,000 | 12-15 | Low | Bulk cargo |
| Tanker | 10,000-550,000 | 12-15 | High, volatile | Liquid cargo |
| Ro-Ro | 5,000-30,000 | 16-22 | High | Wheeled vehicles |
| Multipurpose Vessel | 8,000-30,000 | 15-18 | Medium | Versatility, oversized cargo |
*Cost is indicated relative to other types of vessels when transporting a comparable volume of cargo over a similar distance.
**After the container crisis of 2021-2022, rates have stabilized but remain volatile and subject to seasonal fluctuations and geopolitical factors.
Container Ships: Versatility and Efficiency
Container ships are the most versatile type of vessels we work with at WestComTrans. Their main advantage is standardization, which allows for quick cargo handling in ports and combination with other types of transport.
Modern container ships are classified by size:
- Feeder (up to 3,000 TEU) — for regional transport and servicing ports with limitations;
- Panamax (up to 5,000 TEU) — optimized for the old Panama Canal;
- Post-Panamax (up to 10,000 TEU) — for main transport corridors;
- Neo-Panamax (up to 14,000 TEU) — optimized for the new Panama Canal;
- ULCV (Ultra Large Container Vessel, up to 24,000 TEU) — giants for main transoceanic routes between hubs with developed infrastructure.
It is important to understand that ULCV class vessels serve a limited number of deep-water hub ports, so transshipment to smaller vessels is often required for delivery to regional ports.
The main types of containers we work with:
- Standard (Dry Van) — for most general cargo;
- Reefer — for perishable goods with temperature control;
- Open Top — with an open top for non-standard height cargo;
- Flat Rack — for oversized and heavy cargo;
- Tank Container — for liquid cargo;
- Specialized (ventilated, isothermal, with humidity control).
Over the past year, our clients have noted the particular efficiency of container transport for goods with medium value and regular shipments. However, it is worth considering that the availability of container equipment and slots on ships may be limited during peak seasons (for example, before the Chinese New Year or before Christmas holidays in Europe and the USA).
Bulk Carriers: Optimal Choice for Bulk Cargo
For the transportation of bulk cargo, our company recommends using bulk carriers — vessels specifically designed for transporting bulk goods: ore, coal, grain, fertilizers, cement. The key feature is large open holds that allow for quick loading and unloading of goods.
Main types of bulk carriers by size:
- Handysize (15,000-35,000 tons) — for small batches and ports with limitations;
- Supramax (50,000-60,000 tons) — versatile, with their own cranes;
- Ultramax (60,000-65,000 tons) — improved version of Supramax with greater cargo capacity;
- Panamax (65,000-80,000 tons) — optimal for passage through the old Panama Canal;
- Neo-Panamax (80,000-120,000 tons) — for passage through the expanded Panama Canal;
- Capesize (over 150,000 tons) — for maximum volumes, but require deep-water ports;
- VLOC (Very Large Ore Carrier, over 300,000 tons) — specialized vessels for ore.
When working with agricultural products, we often use Handysize and Supramax/Ultramax due to their flexibility and availability for most ports, as well as the presence of their own cranes, which allows working in ports with limited infrastructure.
Tankers: Specialization in Liquid Cargo
For the transportation of liquid cargo, WestComTrans organizes shipments on specialized tankers. These vessels have isolated cargo compartments (tanks) and special equipment for safe loading, transportation, and unloading.
Main types of tankers by transported cargo and size:
Oil Tankers:
- Handysize (up to 50,000 tons) — for small batches and work in ports with limitations
- Aframax (80,000-120,000 tons) — the most common class for oil transportation
- Suezmax (120,000-200,000 tons) — maximum size for passage through the Suez Canal
- VLCC (Very Large Crude Carrier, 200,000-320,000 tons) — for transoceanic transportation
- ULCC (Ultra Large Crude Carrier, over 320,000 tons) — for maximum volumes
Specialized Tankers:
- Product Tanker — for petroleum products (gasoline, diesel fuel, kerosene)
- Chemical Tanker — for chemical substances (with stainless steel tanks)
- LNG Carrier — for liquefied natural gas (with cryogenic tanks)
- LPG Carrier — for liquefied petroleum gas
- Asphalt/Bitumen Tanker — for transporting asphalt and bitumen
When organizing the transportation of liquid cargo, we pay special attention to the compliance of the tanker with international safety standards MARPOL and SOLAS, as well as the new environmental requirements of IMO 2023 for reducing carbon emissions (EEXI and CII), which ensures the reliability of transportation and minimizes the risks of environmental incidents.
It is important to note that the tanker transportation market is characterized by high volatility of freight rates, which can change by 30-40% over several months depending on the geopolitical situation and market conditions.
Criteria for Choosing a Vessel Depending on Cargo Characteristics
At WestComTrans, we have developed a systematic approach to selecting the optimal vessel for each client. Based on years of experience, I can assert that cargo characteristics are the primary and determining factor in selecting the appropriate type of vessel.
Volume and Weight of Cargo: Key Calculation Factors
When working with clients, I always start the analysis by determining the ratio of volume to weight of the cargo. This is a fundamental parameter affecting the efficiency of cargo space utilization.
“Heavy cargo” (steel, machinery, equipment) has high density and requires vessels with increased cargo capacity but not necessarily large volume. For such cargo, we often choose multipurpose vessels or specialized Heavy Lift.
“Light cargo” (furniture, clothing, electronics) occupies significant volume with relatively low weight. Here, container ships are optimal, where the transportation cost is calculated not only by weight but also by volume.
Example of calculation: For a batch of auto parts weighing 18 tons and with a volume of 60 m³, we chose container transportation, as the cost with a general cargo vessel charter would have been 35% higher due to incomplete utilization of cargo capacity.
When calculating the cost of container transportation, it is important to consider the ratio of volumetric and physical weight. Most lines use a coefficient of 1:1 (1 m³ = 1 ton) or 1:1.5 to determine the calculation weight. This means that for “light” cargo, the tariff will be calculated based on volume rather than actual weight.
Specific Transportation Requirements: Temperature, Humidity, Safety
Special characteristics of cargo often dictate the choice of a specialized vessel or equipment.
| Cargo Type | Special Requirements | Recommended Vessel Type | Additional Measures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmaceutical Products | Strict temperature control, moisture protection | Container ship with reefer containers | Temperature loggers, GDP-certified processes |
| Fresh Fruits | Temperature control, ventilation | Reefer ship or container ship with reefer containers | Ethylene control, special ventilation modes |
| Hazardous Chemicals | Isolation, special equipment | Chemical tanker with corresponding IMO class | Compliance with IMDG Code, special marking |
| Bulk Grain | Moisture protection, ventilation | Bulk carrier with hold ventilation systems | Fumigation certificates, humidity control |
| Valuable Cargo | Enhanced security | Container ship with sealed containers | GPS trackers, reinforced seals, insurance |
| Electronics | Moisture protection, temperature fluctuations | Container ship with standard or special containers | Desiccants, anti-static packaging, shock sensors |
Recently, our company organized the transportation of temperature-sensitive vaccines. We chose specialized reefer containers with a real-time temperature monitoring system on a regular container line, which ensured the safety of the cargo and compliance with all pharmaceutical requirements. Additionally, we implemented a notification system for any deviations from the set temperature regime, which allowed us to respond promptly to potential issues.
Seasonality and Geographic Features of the Route
Geographic conditions of the route and seasonal factors play a significant role in choosing the type of vessel. At WestComTrans, we always consider:
- The depth of loading and unloading ports;
- Restrictions of canals and straits along the route;
- Seasonal weather conditions;
- Ice conditions on the route;
- The current geopolitical situation in the regions along the route.
“When organizing shipments in the winter period to the northern ports of Russia, we recommend clients to use vessels with an ice class or plan the route taking into account icebreaker escort. Ignoring this factor can lead to delays of up to 2-3 weeks or the need to redirect cargo through alternative ports with additional ground delivery”, — notes Alexander Morozov, a logistics specialist at WestComTrans.
In 2024-2025, we pay special attention to routes passing through the Red Sea and the Suez Canal, where due to geopolitical tensions, many shipping lines are rerouting vessels around Africa. This increases transit time by 10-14 days and requires adjustment of the entire logistics chain.
For routes through the Suez Canal, we select vessels with appropriate dimensions, and for shipments to ports with limited depth, we use smaller feeder vessels or plan transshipment in a large hub.
Digital Tools for Monitoring and Managing Shipments
Modern sea logistics is impossible without the use of digital tools that help optimize processes and reduce risks.
When choosing a shipping line, we evaluate the availability of the following digital services:
- Online booking with instant confirmation;
- Real-time cargo tracking systems;
- Electronic document management (e-B/L, e-Delivery Order);
- API integration with client systems;
- Predictive analytics of vessel arrivals.
For example, for valuable cargo, we recommend using containers with GPS trackers and door opening sensors, which allow monitoring the location and condition of the cargo in real-time. For reefer containers, remote temperature monitoring systems with automatic alerts for any deviations are particularly valuable.
The digitization of logistics processes not only increases the transparency of transportation but also allows for a quick response to any changes in the route or vessel schedule, which is especially important in the context of instability in global supply chains.
Economic Aspects of Choosing a Vessel Type
At WestComTrans, we understand that optimizing logistics costs is one of the key priorities for our clients. The choice of vessel type directly affects not only the transportation cost but also the overall economic efficiency of the entire supply chain.
Let’s consider an example of calculating the transportation cost for a batch of goods (80 tons of industrial equipment) from Shanghai to St. Petersburg using different types of vessels as of the fourth quarter of 2024:
| Vessel Type | Transportation Cost | Delivery Time | Additional Expenses | Total Costs | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Container Ship (4×20′ DC) | $10,400-12,800 | 35-40 days | $1,500-2,000 (loading, securing) | $11,900-14,800 | Most stable schedule |
| Multipurpose Vessel | $9,500-11,000 | 45-50 days | $2,500-3,000 (freight charges, insurance) | $12,000-14,000 | Fewer regular voyages |
| Ro-Ro Vessel | $13,000-15,000 | 30-35 days | $1,000-1,500 (loading operations) | $14,000-16,500 | Faster, but more expensive |
*Calculation is based on average market rates for the first quarter of 2024. Prices are indicated in ranges as they are subject to significant fluctuations depending on the season, line congestion, and current market conditions.
As seen from the example, despite the higher base cost of container transportation compared to a multipurpose vessel, the total costs are comparable, and the delivery time is shorter. This demonstrates the importance of a comprehensive approach to assessing economic efficiency.
It is important to note that in the context of the current volatility in the freight market, it is advisable to consider not spot rates but their ranges, as well as to account for possible fluctuations at the time of actual cargo shipment.
Balance Between Delivery Speed and Transportation Cost
In my practice, I regularly help clients find the optimal balance between delivery speed and transportation cost. This is especially relevant in the context of unstable supply chains.
| Vessel Type | Average Speed (knots) | Relative Freight Cost | Optimal for Cargo | Environmental Aspects (CO2 emissions per ton-mile) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Container Ship (express service) | 22-25 | High | Urgent, high-margin goods | High |
| Container Ship (regular line) | 18-22 | Medium | Most commercial cargo | Medium |
| Container Ship (slow steaming) | 14-17 | Reduced (by 10-15%) | Non-urgent cargo with time buffer | Low |
| Bulk Carrier | 12-15 | Low | Raw materials, low-margin cargo | Low |
| Tanker | 12-15 | Depends on market conditions | Liquid cargo | Medium |
| Ro-Ro | 18-22 | High | Cars, machinery, urgent cargo | Medium-High |
In recent years, many shipping lines have adopted the practice of “slow steaming” — reducing the speed of vessels to save fuel and reduce emissions. This allows for a 10-15% reduction in freight costs but increases transit time by 3-7 days. For many of our clients with well-planned shipments, this has become the preferred option.
It is important to note that with the introduction of new environmental requirements IMO 2023 (EEXI and CII), many shipping companies are forced to reduce the speed of vessels to comply with carbon emission standards, which may affect delivery times regardless of commercial preferences.
“For seasonal goods or products with a limited shelf life, we always recommend choosing faster services, even if they are more expensive. An additional 5-7 days on the shelf can bring more profit than saving on freight”, — this is the rule we follow when advising WestComTrans clients.
When choosing between speed and cost, it is also important to consider:
- Seasonality of demand for the product;
- Cost of storing the product in the warehouse;
- Speed of capital turnover;
- Risks of changes in market conditions during transportation;
- Requirements of end customers for delivery times.
Cargo Consolidation and Partial Loading Opportunities
For clients with small volumes of cargo, we at WestComTrans offer various options for cost optimization through consolidation.
Advantages and disadvantages of consolidated shipments:
Advantages:
- Significant reduction in transportation costs for small batches (savings of up to 40-60% compared to a full container);
- Access to regular line services;
- Possibility of shipment in any direction;
- Simplicity of documentation;
- Flexibility in shipment volumes.
Disadvantages:
- Increase in delivery times due to consolidation time (on average by 3-7 days);
- Restrictions on the types of accepted cargo (often hazardous or valuable cargo is not accepted);
- Dependence on the schedule of consolidated shipments;
- Potential risks of damage during additional handling;
- More participants in the logistics chain.
For a client exporting small batches of industrial equipment (3-5 tons) to Southeast Asia, we organized regular LCL (Less than Container Load) shipments through our consolidation warehouse. This allowed us to reduce logistics costs by 40% compared to sending full containers and ensured a stable delivery schedule.
In 2024, we implemented a digital platform for LCL cargo consolidation, which allows clients to see available slots for upcoming shipments, reserve space, and track the consolidation status in real-time. This increased the transparency of the process and reduced communication time.
For feeder shipments to ports with limited infrastructure, we use specialized smaller feeder vessels, which allows for direct delivery of cargo, avoiding additional transshipments and ground transportation.
Environmental Aspects and Compliance with ESG Requirements
With the growing attention to environmental aspects of business, more and more of our clients are interested in “green” solutions in logistics. When choosing a vessel type, we now also consider this factor.
New environmental requirements from IMO include:
- EEXI (Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index) — energy efficiency index for existing ships;
- CII (Carbon Intensity Indicator) — carbon intensity indicator;
- IMO 2020 — requirements for the use of low-sulfur fuel (sulfur content not more than 0.5%).
We offer clients the option to choose shipping lines that use:
- Vessels with a higher CII rating (A or B);
- Vessels operating on alternative fuels (LNG, biofuel);
- Lines with carbon footprint compensation programs.
For example, for a client in the pharmaceutical industry with a strong ESG policy, we organized transportation on vessels with a CII rating of class A and provided a detailed calculation of the carbon footprint of the entire logistics chain, including proposals for its compensation through certified carbon projects.
It is important to understand that choosing vessels with better environmental performance may increase transportation costs by 5-10%, but for many companies, this becomes a priority within their corporate environmental responsibility.
Specialized Vessels for Non-Standard Cargo
In the practice of WestComTrans, situations regularly arise where standard solutions are not suitable for transporting special cargo. It is in such cases that we utilize specialized vessels, each designed to solve specific logistics tasks.
Non-standard cargo is a separate category that requires an individual approach. This includes oversized industrial installations, heavy construction equipment, wind turbines, yachts, railway cars, and other objects that cannot be transported in standard containers or holds of conventional vessels.
Ro-Ro Vessels: Optimal Choice for Wheeled Equipment
Over 10 years of working at WestComTrans, I have been convinced that for transporting wheeled equipment, Ro-Ro vessels (Roll-on/Roll-off) provide the most effective solution. The design of these vessels with loading ramps allows equipment to be rolled on and off under their own power or with the help of terminal tractors, which significantly simplifies and speeds up the cargo handling process.
Types of cargo for which we recommend Ro-Ro transportation:
- Passenger cars (new and used)
- Trucks and buses
- Construction and agricultural equipment
- Military equipment
- Railway cars and locomotives
- Trailers with cargo (including oversized)
- Wheeled equipment
Recently, our company organized the transportation of a batch of 25 units of construction equipment from Japan to Vladivostok. Using a Ro-Ro vessel allowed us to reduce loading and unloading time by 70% compared to the option of transporting on a multipurpose vessel using ship cranes. Additionally, the absence of the need for additional securing and rigging work reduced the risk of equipment damage and lowered overall costs.
It is worth noting that in 2023-2024, there is a shortage of Ro-Ro tonnage on some routes due to the growth of automobile exports from China and the redirection of some vessels to more profitable routes. This requires earlier booking of space on vessels, especially for seasonal shipments of agricultural and construction equipment.
Vessels for Project and Oversized Cargo
For transporting super-heavy and oversized cargo, WestComTrans uses specialized vessels capable of handling the most complex logistics tasks.
Heavy Lift vessels are equipped with cranes with a lifting capacity of up to 800-1000 tons and are designed for transporting heavy components of power plants, oil and gas equipment, large industrial installations. Their reinforced decks can withstand point loads of hundreds of tons per square meter.
Main types of Heavy Lift vessels:
- Vessels with medium lifting capacity cranes (up to 250 tons) — for most project cargo;
- Specialized Heavy Lift (up to 1000 tons) — for super-heavy components;
- F-class vessels (up to 2000 tons) — for exceptionally heavy indivisible cargo.
Semi-submersible vessels — a unique type of vessels capable of partially submerging to load cargo. We use them for transporting drilling platforms, floating docks, and other massive marine structures.
Open Deck Vessels — optimal for transporting long cargo such as wind turbine blades, long pipes, railway rails.
Case from WestComTrans practice:
Last year, we organized the transportation of a reactor column weighing 450 tons and 42 meters long from the port of Rotterdam to Novorossiysk for a petrochemical plant. For this operation, a specialized Heavy Lift ship with a crane lifting capacity of 700 tons was chartered. Our engineers pre-developed a detailed loading and unloading plan, including the calculation of securing points and load distribution. Despite the complexity of the task, the cargo was delivered on time and without damage, allowing the client to adhere to the construction schedule of the new production complex.
When working with project cargo, we at WestComTrans pay special attention to preliminary engineering, including:
- Calculation of the optimal cargo placement and securing scheme;
- Route analysis considering the dimensions and weight of the cargo;
- Modeling of loading and unloading operations;
- Development of special securing and packaging;
- Coordination of all stages with the shipowner and port services;
- 3D modeling of cargo placement and simulation of critical operations;
- Calculation of forces acting on the cargo during sea transportation in various weather conditions.
This allows us to minimize risks and ensure safe transportation even for the most complex cargo.
In 2024, we implemented augmented reality technology for preliminary visualization of the placement of complex project cargo on the vessel, which allows identifying potential problems at the planning stage and significantly reducing risks during actual loading.
Conclusion: Decision-Making Algorithm for Choosing a Vessel
Over the years of working at WestComTrans, I have been convinced that a systematic approach to choosing a vessel type allows for significant optimization of logistics processes and helps avoid many problems. Based on our experience, I have developed a step-by-step algorithm that we use when planning sea transportation for our clients.
Checklist for Determining the Optimal Vessel Type:
- Determine the basic characteristics of the cargo: □ Cargo type (general, bulk, liquid, wheeled equipment, etc.) □ Weight and volume of the batch □ Dimensions of individual items (especially important for oversized cargo) □ Special requirements (temperature regime, humidity, ventilation) □ Hazardous properties (if any, hazard class according to IMDG) □ Cargo value and sensitivity to delivery times
- Analyze the transportation route: □ Ports of departure and destination (depth, infrastructure, restrictions) □ Straits and canals along the route □ Seasonal features (ice conditions, storm seasons) □ Political stability of regions along the route □ Current geopolitical risks and alternative routes □ Frequency of vessel calls of different types to the selected ports
- Determine commercial requirements: □ Delivery urgency □ Budget constraints □ Regularity of shipments □ Possibility of consolidation with other cargo □ Insurance requirements □ Company’s ESG requirements (environmental aspects)
- Compare available options: □ Line services (container, Ro-Ro, ferry) □ Tramp shipping (chartering the entire vessel) □ Combined solutions (e.g., with transshipment in a hub) □ Alternative modes of transport for part of the route □ Possibility of multimodal solutions
- Evaluate additional factors: □ Availability of the required vessel type in the desired period □ Stability of the selected service schedule □ Reputation of the shipping company □ Possibility of cargo tracking in transit □ Digital services of the carrier □ Flexibility in case of plan changes
- Conduct risk analysis: □ Identification of potential risks on the route □ Assessment of the probability and consequences of each risk □ Development of risk mitigation plans □ Determination of alternative options in case of force majeure □ Insurance of specific risks
At WestComTrans, we do not just select a vessel — we develop a comprehensive logistics solution that considers all aspects of transportation. Our experience shows that the time spent on thorough analysis and planning pays off many times over due to the absence of unforeseen problems and additional expenses.
“The correctly chosen vessel type is not just the optimal transportation cost. It is a guarantee that the cargo will arrive on time, intact, and without unexpected additional expenses. In the current conditions of instability in global supply chains, this factor becomes critically important for the business of our clients”, — notes Alexander Moroz, a logistics specialist at WestComTrans.
By contacting our company, you receive not only transportation organization but also professional consultation on choosing the optimal vessel type, considering all the features of your cargo and business requirements. Our specialists will analyze several options and offer a solution that ensures a balance between cost, speed, and delivery reliability.
Remember that in sea transportation, there are no universal solutions. Each cargo is unique, and the approach to its transportation should consider many factors. At WestComTrans, we are proud of our ability to find optimal solutions even for the most complex logistics tasks and are ready to apply our experience for the effective organization of your sea transportation.
In the conditions of a constantly changing world of global logistics, it is important to have a reliable partner with a deep understanding of sea transportation and the ability to adapt to new challenges. WestComTrans — your reliable partner in the world of sea logistics.
Article Author:
Alexander Morozov, Logistician at WestComTrans
Last Publication Date: 15.05.2025
If you have any questions about the process of organizing container cargo transportation or would like to receive a consultation, feel free to contact us. We are ready to assist you at every stage of your cargo delivery!
WestComTrans – International Logistics.
