A multipurpose vessel, also known as a general cargo vessel, is a type of merchant ship designed to transport a wide variety of goods and commodities. Unlike specialized vessels that carry specific cargo types – such as bulk carriers, tankers or container vessels – a multipurpose vessel features flexible cargo-holding capabilities, making it versatile for handling different types of cargo – possibly in a single and same voyage.
To do so, these ships typically have multiple cargo holds or compartments to accommodate various goods, including bulk cargo like grains, coal, or ores, as well as breakbulk cargo such as machinery, steel, or packaged goods. Multipurpose vessels are also commonly equipped with various loading and unloading equipment, notably gear (cranes) allowing them to efficiently handle diverse cargo types at ports with varying levels of facilities and handling equipment.
The design and size of multipurpose vessels can vary widely, with some being smaller coasters for short-haul regional routes, while others are larger and equipped for global shipping.
Multipurpose vessels generally operate both on the liner as well as the tramp market.
You can see below the picture of Longvind – a multipurpose vessel and can find it featured in a video here.
