yleiskuormausalukset

Yleiskuormausalukset, also known as general cargo ships, are vessels designed to transport a wide variety of unpackaged or unitized cargo. Unlike specialized ships such as container ships or tankers, general cargo ships are built for flexibility, able to accommodate a diverse range of goods. Their holds are typically large and unobstructed, allowing for the stowage of items like steel, grain, lumber, and machinery. Many general cargo ships are equipped with their own cranes, enabling them to load and unload cargo independently of port facilities, which is particularly useful in less developed ports.

These ships can vary in size, from smaller coastal vessels to larger ocean-going freighters. Their decks are often spacious, providing additional space for oversized or project cargo that may not fit within the holds. The internal configuration of the holds can also be adapted to suit different types of cargo, with features like tween decks that can be adjusted to optimize space utilization. While the rise of specialized shipping has reduced the dominance of general cargo ships, they remain an important part of global maritime trade, particularly for routes where cargo types are mixed or port infrastructure is limited. Their versatility makes them a cost-effective solution for transporting a broad spectrum of goods.