Role in shipping and logistics
Container ships move goods in standardised intermodal containers on regular services between major ports. Goods are loaded into standardised steel boxes designed for easy movement between modes of transport, such as ships, trains, and trucks. On container ship jobs, workers may be expected to oversee safe stowage, coordinate loading/discharge with terminals and monitor container conditions (especially reefers) to guarantee cargo is stored correctly throughout the voyage. If you look at our container ship crew reviews, they can provide insight into the lifestyle and rotational nature of this work.
Different types and their main characteristics
1. Feeder container ships
- Smaller vessels (often under 3,000 TEU) that run short-sea and regional routes
- They link smaller ports to major hub terminals for transhipment
- Feeder ships sometimes carry their own cranes, where shore equipment is limited
2. Panamax/Neo-Panamax container ships
- Designed around Panama Canal dimensional limits
- Neo-Panamax ships are sized to use the expanded canal
- Container ship crew reviews generally describe life onboard these ships as demanding work in a well-compensated environment
3. Ultra-Large Container Vessels (ULCVs)
- The biggest container ships, designed for high-volume
- Generally used on high-volume east–west trades
- They require ports with deep water, large cranes
Working on Container Ships
Container ship jobs are usually contractual, with long stretches away from home. You must pass a seafarer medical (ENG1 in the UK) and complete STCW Basic Safety Training before shipboard duties. Reading container ship crew reviews can help you gauge welfare and employer standards onboard.
Frequently Asked Questions
What certificates do I need to start?
At minimum, you’ll need an STCW Basic Safety Training package and a valid seafarer medical. In the UK, that’s usually the ENG1 issued by an MCA-approved doctor.
How are hours and rest managed at sea?
Merchant ships run 24/7 watches, but the Maritime Labour Convention requires at least 10 hours’ rest in any 24-hour period and 77 hours in any 7-day period (this is implemented in UK regulations and guidance).
What do people do on container ships?
Cargo ship crews comprise specialist deck, engineering and electro-technical staff who supervise the cargo throughout the voyage.