# data[].attributes.body
For starters, in this Padlet, we'll explore various aspects of merchant ships, including the different types such as container ships, multipurpose ships, liquid bulk tankers, bulk carriers, refrigerated ships, and Ro-Ro ships. We'll also cover the general design of merchant ships, how they operate in liner and tramp services, and the navigation techniques and instruments they use like celestial navigation, compasses, and GPS. Let's begin.

# data[].attributes.body
Different Types of Merchant Ships

Container Ships: Designed to transport standardized containers. They can load and stack containers efficiently for international shipping. The largest can carry over 20,000 TEUs.

Multipurpose Ships: Versatile and adaptable to different types of cargo, ideal for smaller shipments and less equipped ports.

Liquid Bulk Tankers: Designed to transport large volumes of liquids, such as oil, chemicals, liquefied natural gas (LNG), and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).

Bulk Carriers: Carry non-liquid materials like grains and minerals. They have open holds with handling equipment like cranes and conveyor systems.

Refrigerated Ships (Reefers): Maintain perishable goods in controlled temperature and humidity environments.

Ro-Ro Ships (Roll-On/Roll-Off): Transport vehicles that can be driven directly on board, without the need for lifting machinery.

General Design of a Merchant Ship

Merchant ships have a structure that includes the bow, main deck, cargo holds, and superstructure. The layout varies depending on the type and function of the ship.

How Merchant Ships Operate

Merchant ships can operate in two main ways:

1. Liner Service: Regular lines with fixed routes and schedules, running regardless of cargo volume.

2. Tramp Service: No fixed routes, adapting to the demand for cargo and specific ports.

Navigating Techniques and Instruments

Celestial Navigation: Uses instruments like the sextant to measure the altitude of celestial bodies to determine position.

Compass: Provides magnetic direction.

GPS: Satellite-based global positioning system.

Cartography: Creation of maps and nautical charts.

Topography: Study of the Earth's surface.

Geolocation: Determining a position on Earth.

Orientation: Knowledge of direction and location.

Exploration: Searching and discovering new routes and areas.

Course: The direction in which the ship is heading.

Terms Relating to Compass Cards

Wind Rose: Graphical representation of cardinal and intermediate directions.

Magnetic Variation: Difference between magnetic north and true north.

Deviation: Error caused by magnetic fields on board the ship.

True Course: Actual direction of the ship relative to geographic north.

Magnetic Course: Direction of the ship relative to magnetic north.

Compass Needle: Magnetic indicator in the compass.

Track: Path followed by the ship at sea.

Definitions of the Most Commonly Used Maritime Terms

Bow: Front part of the ship.

Stern: Rear part of the ship.

Port: Left side of the ship when facing forward.

Starboard: Right side of the ship when facing forward.

Draft: Vertical distance between the waterline and the bottom of the hull.

Beam: Width of the ship at its widest point.

Knot: Unit of speed equal to one nautical mile per hour.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Structure of a merchant ship | Suisca Group

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
What is the structure of a merchant ship like? In order to provide a good service, we believe it is necessary to know it. At Suisca Group we help you✅

# data[].attributes.body
This activity helped me improve my ability to explain complex topics in simple terms, which is valuable both professionally and personally. I learned more about different types of merchant ships, their operations, and navigation techniques. This knowledge enhances my understanding of maritime logistics and navigation, making me more knowledgeable and confident in discussing these topics with others. Additionally, it reinforced the importance of clear communication, which is crucial in any field.

# data[].attributes.body
AAPA. (2024). Glossary of Maritime Terms. Obtenido de AAPA Web Site: https://www.aapa-ports.org/advocating/content.aspx?ItemNumber=21500

S, D. (2024). Types of Cargo Ships: Understanding 12 Different Vessel Categories. Obtenido de Miritimepage Web Site: https://maritimepage.com/types-of-cargo-ships/

Studopedia. (2024). How Merchant Ships Operate. Obtenido de Studopedia web Site: https://studopedia.org/2-21228.html

Suiscagroup . (2024). Structure of a merchant ship. Obtenido de Suiscagroup Web Site: https://www.suiscagroup.com/en/noticias/merchant-ship-structure-guide/