❓ Shipping Questions Answered: What You Always Wanted to Know About Life at Sea

My name is Davide Ramponi, I’m 20 years old and currently training as a shipping agent in Hamburg. On my blog, I take you with me on my journey into the exciting world of shipping. I share my knowledge, my experiences and my progress on the way to becoming an expert in the field of Sale and Purchase – the trade with ships.

When I tell people I work in shipping, I get a lot of curious looks—and even more questions. From “Why are ships always white?” to “How many people work on board?”, these everyday wonders are proof that maritime life still fascinates us. 🌊

So, in this post, I’ll tackle some of the most frequently asked questions about shipping—the things people really want to know but may not find clear answers to. Whether you're an industry outsider, a student, or just someone who's stood at a harbor and wondered how it all works, this article is for you. 🧭

Let’s dive into the myths, facts, and little-known truths of modern maritime life!

⚪ Why Are Ships Usually White?

It’s one of the first things you notice at any port: most ships, especially cruise ships and many cargo vessels, are painted white. But why?

🌡 Heat Reflection

The primary reason is temperature control. White paint reflects sunlight and helps keep:

• 🔥 The internal temperature of accommodation areas lower

• 🧊 Air-conditioning costs more manageable (especially on cruise ships)

For ships operating in warm regions, this makes a big difference in energy efficiency.

🧼 Cleanliness & Maintenance

White makes it easier to spot rust, oil stains, or other surface problems, allowing for quicker maintenance and better overall appearance.

👀 Visibility & Aesthetics

White ships are easier to see in the open ocean, which enhances safety, and many shipping companies favor the color for its clean, professional look.

📌 Fun fact: Not all ships are white! Many container vessels, tankers, and bulkers have dark hulls below the waterline to hide fouling and wear from ocean currents.

👨‍✈️ How Many Crew Members Are There on a Typical Cargo Ship?

When people imagine ships, they often think of Titanic-sized crews. But modern cargo ships are surprisingly leanwhen it comes to manpower.

🚢 Typical Crew Size

• Large container ships (e.g., 15,000+ TEU): 20–30 crew members

• Bulk carriers & tankers: 15–25 crew members

• Smaller vessels (coasters, feeders): As few as 10–15 crew members

Why so few? 🤔 Thanks to automation, digital navigation systems, and remote diagnostics, ships today require fewer people to operate safely.

🧩 Typical Crew Roles Include:

• Captain (Master)

• Chief, Second, and Third Officers

• Chief, Second, and Third Engineers

• Electro-Technical Officer (ETO)

• Bosun, Able Seamen (AB), Ordinary Seamen (OS)

• Cook & Steward

💬 Real-life routine: A 20-person crew might rotate 4-hour shifts to keep the ship running 24/7—day and night.

🏗 How Long Does It Take to Build a Ship?

The timeline from blueprint to maiden voyage is longer than most people think—and it depends on ship size, complexity, and shipyard availability.

🕰 General Timeframes

• Small coaster or tugboat: 6–12 months

• Bulk carrier or medium tanker: 12–18 months

• Large container ship or LNG carrier: 18–24 months

• Cruise ship or advanced naval vessel: Up to 36 months

📍 Steps involved:

1. Design and planning – technical drawings, specifications, permits

2. Steel cutting – the official start of construction

3. Block assembly – large steel sections are joined

4. Launching – ship is floated in water for the first time

5. Outfitting – engines, electronics, interiors

6. Sea trials – test runs to check performance

7. Delivery – handover to the owner

🛠 Fun detail: Ships aren’t built in one piece—they’re constructed in blocks, like LEGO bricks, then welded together.

🧭 How Is a Ship’s Course Determined?

Navigating a ship isn’t just about pointing it toward a destination—it involves precise planning, constant monitoring, and sometimes rapid decision-making.

🗺 Voyage Planning

Before departure, navigating officers (usually the Second Officer) create a voyage plan:

• 📍 Departure and arrival ports

• ⚠️ Known hazards (reefs, pirate zones, restricted areas)

• 💨 Weather forecasts and currents

• 🛳 Traffic Separation Schemes (TSS) like highways at sea

This route is uploaded into Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS).

📡 Navigation in Action

During the voyage, officers use:

• GPS: Real-time positioning

• Radar: Detecting ships and land in low visibility

• Echo Sounder: Measuring depth

• AIS (Automatic Identification System): Tracking surrounding vessels

📌 Example: In the Suez Canal, the ship must follow a specific corridor, often assisted by a local pilot who boards the ship temporarily.

🛡 How Safe Is Shipping Today? Facts and Figures

Shipping may seem risky—open ocean, rough weather, isolated crew—but modern maritime operations are safer than ever before.

📉 Decline in Accidents

According to data from the IMO and Allianz Safety Reports:

• Global shipping losses have decreased by 70% over the past 20 years

• Fatal accidents are rare, and often involve smaller vessels or extreme weather

🧰 Safety Systems in Place

• SOLAS Convention (Safety of Life at Sea): Sets minimum safety standards

• ISM Code (International Safety Management): Ensures proper training and procedures

• Double hulls on tankers to reduce oil spill risks

• Lifeboats, EPIRBs, fire suppression, and regular drills

🧯 Ships undergo port inspections, class certifications, and flag state audits to maintain operational approval.

📌 Case in point: Large container ships like the MSC Gülsün carry lifeboats, medical kits, defibrillators, and even onboard hospital rooms for emergencies.

📚 Bonus Round: Fun Facts You Didn’t Know You Wanted

Just for fun, here are a few more common questions I often get—with short answers!

❓ Question	💡 Quick Answer
Do ships have Wi-Fi?	Yes—but it’s often limited or satellite-based. 📶
Why do ships honk their horns?	To signal intentions, warnings, or greetings. 📣
What happens if the engine fails?	The ship drifts, but backup systems and tugs assist. ⚠️
Can a ship turn on the spot?	Not exactly—but with thrusters and rudder work, it can pivot in tight spaces. 🔄
Do ships anchor in deep sea?	No—anchors are only used near coastlines or in designated anchorages. ⚓

✅ Conclusion: Curious Minds Welcome Aboard

The maritime world may seem distant to many, but once you start asking questions, it becomes a world full of intrigue, precision, and innovation.

To recap:

• 🚢 Ships are white to reflect heat and stay efficient.

• 👥 Crews are small but highly trained, with 15–30 people on average.

• 🏗 Shipbuilding takes months, and sometimes years.

• 🧭 Courses are carefully planned, monitored, and adjusted using smart systems.

• 🛡 Modern shipping is safer than ever, thanks to international standards and digital tools.

💬 Do you have a shipping question I didn’t cover? Or is there a topic you’d like me to explore in depth?

Drop your thoughts in the comments—I look forward to the exchange! 🌍⚓

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