Introduction.

There are many different types and class of vessels that make use of South African ports, ie naval vessels, fishing craft, trawlers, dredgers, cable layers/repair vessels, ocean research vessels, tugs, etc. In this section however, we will be looking at the commercial types only – namely:

• Passenger ships.
• General cargo ships (break bulk).
• Container ships.
• Ro-Ro vessels.
• Dry bulk carriers.
• Oil tankers.
• Liquid gas carriers.
• Reefers (refrigeration vessels).
• Heavy lift vessels.
• Commercial fishing vessels.
• Harbour maintenance and support vessels such as dredgers and tugs.