2.

2 Categorizing Ships
The term “ship” can be used to represent a wide range of vessels operating on, above or below
the surface of the water. To help organize this study, ships are often categorized into groups
based on either usage, means of support while in operation, or both.

A list of classification by usage might include the following.

• Merchant Ships: These ships are intended to earn a profit in the distribution of goods. A
cash flow analysis is done of income versus costs in the calculation of a rate of return on
the investment. Engineering economy studies must include receipts earned, acquisition
costs, operating and maintenance costs, and any salvage value remaining when the ship is
sold in a time value of money study.

• Naval and Coast Guard Vessels: Classified as combatants or auxiliaries. These ships
tend to be extremely expensive because their missions require many performance
capabilities such as speed, endurance, weapons payload, ability to operate and survive in
hostile environments and reliability under combat conditions.

• Recreational and Pleasure Ships: Personal pleasure craft and cruise liners are a
specialized class of ships that are run to earn a profit by providing recreation services to
the general public. Comfort and safety are of utmost importance.

• Utility Tugs: Designed for long operation and easy maintenance with a no frills
approach.

• Research and Environmental Ships: Highly specialized equipment must be kept and
often deployed into and out of the water.

• Ferries: People and vehicles must load and unload with efficiency and safety in
accordance with a strict time schedule in all weather conditions.

Ships can also be classified by the means of physical support while in operation. Three broad
classifications that are frequently used by naval architects are shown in Figure 2.1, reproduced
from “Introduction to Naval Architecture” by Gillmer and Johnson.

• Aerostatic Support

• Hydrodynamic Support

• Hydrostatic Support

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