People first learned to travel by water long before other forms of transportation. Over the centuries, water transport has become even more vital. Today, people build giant ships that are so huge they can carry other smaller ships! Here are some of the most impressive and unusually large ships of our time.
1. Seawise Giant (Knock Nevis)
The Seawise Giant, also known as Knock Nevis, was built over five years in Japan and launched in 1979. It was the largest ship of its kind ever made. The tanker was 458.45 meters long and 68.8 meters wide, weighing 81.8 thousand tons. It could carry up to 564.7 thousand tons of cargo! When fully loaded, the ship sat 29.8 meters deep in the water, which is about as tall as a 9 or 10-story building.
Despite its impressive size, the Knock Nevis had a big drawback: it was too large to pass through the Panama or Suez Canals. This limitation significantly affected its usefulness and profitability. In 1988, the ship was damaged by an Iranian missile and sank. However, it was later salvaged and used as a floating oil storage facility. Finally, in 2009, the giant tanker was sent to India to be scrapped.
2. Ramform Hyperion
Did you ever see a massive “floating iron” that measures 104×70 meters and drags mysterious wires into the water? Chances are, you spotted the research vessel Ramform Hyperion, which was built in 2017. The mysterious yellow ropes stretching from the back of the ship deep into the water are actually electronic sensors. These sensors allow the ship to scan and explore an area of the seabed spanning 10-12 square kilometres. The Ramform Hyperion is designed specifically for one purpose: geological exploration. Essentially, the ship is used to search for mineral resources, primarily oil and gas deposits.
3. Blue Marlin
Meet one of the giants of the sea: the Dutch Blue Marlin, not just any cargo ship but a floating dock designed to transport unusually large cargo. Although it’s not the only ship of its kind, ships like the Blue Marlin are rare. This vessel’s impressive capabilities are often showcased in photographs where it is seen carrying an array of massive loads. These include transporting up to 12 ships at once, stacked upon each other, a gigantic marine radar, and even a huge offshore drilling platform. In one remarkable feat, the Blue Marlin even transported an entire aircraft carrier, albeit a smaller one. All this is managed by a surprisingly small crew of just 60 people.
4. City of St. Petersburg
Despite its name, the “City of St. Petersburg” ship has no connection to Russia. Built in Japan at the Shimonoseki shipyards, this 12-deck cargo ship is one of the largest roll-on/roll-off (ro-ro) ships, designed to transport vehicles on wheels. Since 2011, the “City of St. Petersburg” has been employed by Japanese engineering companies to deliver cars and rail transport to Northern European countries. At 140 meters in length, this Japanese ro-ro carrier can transport up to 2,000 cars. Its distinctive shape wasn’t chosen merely for aesthetic reasons; it was designed to reduce fuel consumption. In fact, compared to other ro-ro ships of similar size, the “City of St. Petersburg” saves up to 800 tons of fuel each year.
5. RP flip
The “Flip” might not fully qualify as a typical vessel. In essence, it’s a massive 108-meter floating platform or buoy, equipped with specialized instruments. The most unique feature of this “ship” is its ability to flip over, positioning itself at a 90-degree angle from its standard orientation. Interestingly, the Flip includes living quarters for the crew, each cleverly designed with additional hatches and doors on the floors and ceilings to accommodate its transformative nature. The ship even features duplicate toilets—one set for use in its “normal” mode and another set for when it is in “working” mode. Fundamentally, the Flip is a research vessel, utilized by oceanographers from the University of California for various marine studies.
Explore More About Giant Ships
Each of these giant ships showcases the marvels of modern engineering and design. From the vast dimensions of the Seawise Giant to the unique capabilities of the RP Flip, these vessels not only highlight human ingenuity but also the endless possibilities within maritime technology. Whether used for heavy lifting or research, these ships redefine what we consider possible on the water. Continue exploring our site for more fascinating insights into the world of giant ships and other technological wonders.