Liner and Tramp Shipping

A liner service is one which provides vessel designed transport break-bulk, containers and passengers etc. Time is a big factor in this type of shipping and these services operate strictly from a timetable in which they have to work with fixed schedules on fixed routes. It is of importance that they work with the time anticipated and the specified route outlined whether or not the vessel is full. The rates, schedules and routes are fixed and are generally published to the public. It is the most efficient means for transporting commodities. Though the ships vary in size and carrying capacities these ships together carry the most cargo per year at relatively low costs. Liner ships are specifically designed for the type of cargo they carry. The design, construction and sophisticated technology that the vessel is equip with allows for them to have be able to carry containers and break bulk.
In tramp shipping on the other hand, time is not of priority neither are the routes. Tramp ships carry a full of ship of bulk cargo (dry and liquid bulk). These ships are hired for transporting goods between two specified ports (one voyage). It is the duty of the ship owner to see to it that the vessel is hired to someone else as to reduce idleness of the ship while in port. A charterer hires the vessel for a specific time, duration to suit their needs and terms and agreements are set down in a written document known as a charter party. There are three (3) types of chartering under which the shipper sees as most suitable to him/her: * Voyage charter in which the vessel is hired for one a more specified voyages. * Time charter in which the vessel is hired for a specific period of time. * Demise or bareboat in which the vessel is given to the charterer with equipment and runs under their control.
Tramp ships though not as sophisticated as liner ships were constructed with large holds to carry bulk cargo: dry bulk, liquid bulk and slurry. In recent types, modern tramp ships have served as multipurpose ships carrying more than one type of bulk cargo in a single voyage, say dry and liquid bulk. These kinds of ship have also moved from being just bulk carriers to tankers. Each can cater to a specific market depending on the demand and supply in that area. Examples of the different bulk cargoes are shown in the table below: Dry Bulk | Liquid Bulk | Slurry | Iron ore | LNG | Coal | Grain | LPG | Clay | Bauxite | Crude oil | Sulphur | Steel | Petroleum | Molasses | Cement | Gasoline | |