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Technology

ferry at dusk

Everything You Need to Know About Ferries

Ferries are mainly known as a type of boat that transports passengers from one place to another, and, usually, back again. They have more in common with a bus or train than a cruise ship as their main purpose is to provide passengers with transportation for a reason rather than for leisure.

A view of Europe at night from space

European Maritime Day: Celebrating Europe's Seafaring Legacy

European Maritime Day is taking place on May 21st & 22nd this year, so here's a look at some key pieces of Europe's seafaring history and legacy.

A cruise ship at sea at sunset

How Do You Know if Going on a Cruise is Right for You?

Tempted by a cruise ship vacation but not quite ready to make the leap and book it? Our guide helps you determine if cruising is right for you.

fireboat spraying water

Everything You Need to Know About Fireboats

Everything you've ever wanted to know about fireboats, their history, how they work, and what else they do when they're not putting out fires!

small container ship

Everything You Need to Know About Feeder Vessels

What are feeder vessels? They transport containers from one port to another. But why? And why are they called 'feeder'? Read on to find out more!

Rainbow colors in a patch of oil

What Will Ship Fuel Be Replaced With? Future Fuels Explained

With shipping currently accounting for around 3 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions, a need for alternative fuels is more urgent than ever.

An LPG carrier docked in a port at sundown

How Do Gas Carriers Work? The Complete Lowdown

How much do you know about gas carrier ships, their cargo and their trade routes? If the answer is 'not a lot' you need to read our blog post!

The deck of a chemical tanker as seen from the ship's bridge as it sails towards a rainbow

How Do Chemical Tankers Work? A Practical Guide

Chemical tankers are specialized vessels designed to transport a wide range of liquid chemicals across the world's oceans. Read on to learn more.

An oil tanker on the ocean as seen from above

How Do Oil Tankers Work? A Complete Guide

Oil tankers are some of the most important vessels in global trade. Ever wondered how they work and what their main trade routes are? Read on.

A container ship de-ballasting into the ocean at sunset

Everything You Need to Know About Ballasting & De-Ballasting

Ever wondered how ships stay stable in rough seas or when they're empty of cargo? That's thanks to ballasting! Read on to find out all about it.

Crew members standing on the deck of a vessel wearing firefighting gear

What Are Fire Drills on Ships: Everything You Need to Know

Fire drills on commercial vessels must be executed quickly and correctly. But what are fire drills exactly? Our blog has all of the answers.

A cruise ship at sea with a rope and compass in the foreground

Everything You Need to Know About Nautical Miles & Knots

Need to convert nautical miles to land miles? Want to know what the difference is? Want to understand how knots work? Our blog has the answers.

A drone view of a container ship at sea

What Do Container Ships Carry: Everything You Need to Know

From the shoes you're wearing to the food you ate for lunch to the device you're reading this on, chances are they were all shipped by container.

A container ship in the Port of Hamburg, Germany at sundwon

How Are Container Ships Loaded and Unloaded: A Guide

Have you ever wondered what happens when a container ship reaches a port and is loaded or unloaded? Our blog post has the answers and more!

The bridge of a commercial vessel showing the displays and controls

The Bridge on a Cargo Ship: The Navigational Command Center

Ever wondered what the bridge on a commercial ship is, who works on it, and what equipment it houses? Read on - our blog has all the answers.

A well equipped and tidy sick bay on a commercial vessel

The Sick Bay on a Cargo Ship: Medical Care at Sea

The sick bay is a vital part of a ship, where first aid, routine treatment and emergency care are provided until medical support can be reached. 

An aerial view of a cargo ship in port showing its cargo holds

Cargo Holds on a Ship: How Vessels Store & Protect Their Goods

Want to take a deep dive into what the holds are on a cargo ship and how goods are secured and loaded & unloaded? Read this post for the answers!

A green forecastle on a ship

What is the Forecastle on a Cargo Ship & Why is it Important?

Ever wondered what the forecastle on a commercial ship is for and why it's called that? Our blog has these answers and more. Read on to find out!

A marine engineer standing on a staircase in a ship's engine room

The Engine Room on a Cargo Ship: Powering Vessels at Sea

What does the engine room on a commercial vessel actually contain and who works in there? Read on for all you need to know about engine rooms.

Controls and technology on the bridge, or wheelhouse, on a commercial vessel

The Wheelhouse on a Cargo Ship: Where Steering & Control Meet

Want to know what the wheelhouse is and what it's for on a cargo ship? The clue's in the name! Read on to find out more about this vital part of a ship.

A man working in a seafarer job in the accommodation area on a ship

The Accommodation on a Cargo Ship: Living Spaces at Sea

Ever wondered where seafarers live when they're working on a cargo ship? Our blog post takes a closer look at the crew's living space on a vessel.

a cargo ship under a blue evening sky, clearly showing the superstructure

The Superstructure on a Cargo Ship: The World Above-Deck

Ever wondered what the big white 'building' on top of a cargo ship is called? That's the superstructure. Want to know what goes on inside? Read on!

A woman working as a ship's cook in the galley

The Galley on a Cargo Ship: Inside the Heart of Shipboard Cooking

Ever wondered what the galley is on a cargo ship or other commercial vessel? How do galleys differ from kitchens ashore? Our blog post finds out.

Seafarers of varying nationalities and genders eating and chatting in the crew mess on a ship

The Crew Mess on a Cargo Ship: What It Is & Why It Matters

Ever wondered what exactly the crew mess is on a commercial ship and who's responsible for keeping it tidy? Our blog has the answers - and more!

Two men standing on the deck of a commercial vessel

The Different Decks on a Cargo Ship: A Complete Guide

Ever wondered what the different decks on a cargo ship are called, where they're located and what their purpose is? Our blog post has the answers.

Two cargo ships sailing on opposite directions past a small landmass

What Are the Different Areas on a Cargo Ship: An Explanation

From the wheelhouse to the superstructure, if you've ever wondered what the different areas on a container ship or cargo ship are, keep reading.

two cold and scared men hiding in an empty shipping container in a port

What is a Stowaway on a Ship?

We take a look at what a stowaway on a ship is, how do stowaways get onto ships, and what rights do they have once they're discovered.

A bulk carrier cargo ship with a satellite and satellite dish

How Is Internet Provided Onboard Commercial Ships?

Wonder how seafarers can access internet when they're working in a job at sea? Or need to know if cruise ships have passenger internet? Read on!

A break bulk carrier vessel with a cargo of steel pipes

What is Break Bulk Cargo in Shipping?

Have you ever wondered what breakbulk or break bulk cargo is in shipping? Keep reading as our blog post takes a close look at break bulk freight.

The Celebrity Millennium cruise ship

What Are Cruise Ship Classes: An Explanation

Ever wondered what cruise ship classes are? Want to know what cruise ship classification is? Keep reading and our blog post will explain all!

The silhouette of a cargo ship at night

What is the Dark Fleet? From Political Tensions to Sci-Fi

Have you ever wondered what the Dark Fleet is? Also known as Shadow Fleet, our blog looks at both the maritime meaning - and the sci-fi version!

a bulk carrier undergoing bunkering operations

What is Bunkering in Shipping & How Does it Work?

Ever wondered what bunkering is, how it got its name and what fuels most modern commercial ships use? Keep on reading as we have the answers!

A container ship sailing through rough seas

How Do Cargo & Container Ships Handle Rough Seas?

How do cargo and container ships and tankers stay afloat and maintain a degree of stability when seas are rough and unforgiving? Find out here!

Various flags of the world

Everything You Need to Know About Flags of Convenience

What are Flags of Convenience in shipping, why do maritime companies use them, and why are they controversial? Read our blog post to find out!

buoys floating on water

World Marine Aids to Navigation Day

July 1st is World Marine Aids to Navigation Day so what better topic to cover? What is World Marine Aids to Navigation Day & why did it begin?

credit card and laptop

How is eCommerce Changing the Future of Maritime Transport?

Containers had a huge effect on the maritime industry in the '50s & now eCommerce is changing the future of shipping. Click here to find out how,

Assorted Lego bricks

How a Cargo Ship Accident Created a Colorful Treasure Hunt

Heard about the cargo ship that lost nearly 5 million pieces of Lego overboard? This is all you need to know about the Tokio Express Lego spill!

Various vessels that form part of a shipping alliance in a port

What Are Shipping Alliances in the Maritime Industry?

Ever wondered what shipping alliances are, what they do and who they benefit? Read on for a deep dive into these strategic maritime partnerships.

shipping containers

Everything You Need to Know About Shipping Containers

Ever wanted to know absolutely everything there is to know about the humble shipping container? You're in luck - as this blog reveals all!

the word 'facts' in front of maritime images such as anchors and compasses

Interesting Facts about Modern Maritime Transport

You might be surprised to know how maritime transport started with hollowed logs in ancient times and turned into the behemoth ships that we have today.

The AISA Perla cruise ship in port

Why Are Ships Referred to as 'She'?

In the past sailors would spend a lot of time at sea and would develop strong attachment to their ships. As a result, it was typical for them to refer to their ship with affection. Seafarers were said to be "married to the sea" and frequently named their ships after the women they cherished.

a damaged cargo ship seeking refuge in a quiet port under a stormy evening sky

What are Places of Refuge for Ships in Distress?

The primary priority when a ship is involved in an accident or cannot continue its voyage is to remove the vessel, crew, and cargo from harm's way while avoiding further damage to the environment. But where would they go? Who should help them?

cargo ship with a reefer container

Challenges & Solutions: How are Perishable Food Items Shipped?

Did you know that about 40% of food is wasted before consumption during shipping? Read this to find out how perishable goods are shipped.

rusty ship

What is Marine Salvage?

Marine salvage is the process of retrieving, rescuing, and repairing a ship – saving also its crew, cargo, and other properties – after a shipwreck or any other maritime accidents.

lifejackets

Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Life Jackets

According to the dictionary, a life jacket is a life preserver in the form of a buoyant jacket. This sleeveless inflatable jacket is also known as a personal flotation device and it aims to prevent drowning by keeping the wearer afloat when water-related accidents occur.

cruise ships in a harbor

Everything You Need to Know About Cruise Ships

A cruise ship is a passenger ship that sails to a number of different destinations. The pleasure of the voyage being the point. Cruise ships are synonymous with being luxury vessels & their amenities, activities, dining options & entertainment are all created with the passenger experience in mind

Two seafarers undertaking training in a mini container ship

How Mini Cargo Ships Help Cadets Navigate Maritime Careers

Simulators, time at sea and maritime academies are all ways cadets gain experience before working at sea. Now say hello to miniature cargo ships!

a lightship

Everything You Need to Know About Lightships

A lightship, or lightvessel, is a ship fitted with a beacon on a mast that functions in the same way as a lighthouse: To act as a warning and to help other vessels safely navigate at night or in fog. Lightships are commonly used in waters that are too deep for a lighthouse to be constructed.

icebreaker ship

Everything You Need to Know About Icebreaker Ships

As the name suggests an icebreaker ship breaks ice in water. But there's more to this vessel. Find out what an icebreaker boat does in this post.

Three tugboats and a container ship

Everything You Need to Know About Tugboats

Tugboats are small powerful vessels with a number of tasks, mainly the towing or pushing of much bigger ships. But there's more to it than that!

Nautical flags flying from the rigging of a vessel

What Are Nautical Flags & What Do They Mean?

Ever wondered what those colored flags flown by boats and ships on their masts are? They're nautical flags and this blog explains what they mean!

a yellow pilot boat moored in a harbor

Everything You Need to Know About Pilot Boats

Ever wondered what a pilot boat and a marine pilot's job is? This is the blog post for you. Read on as we take a look at pilotage and pilot boats

bulk carrier

Everything You Need to Know About Bulk Carriers

A bulk carrier, bulker, or bulk freighter is a type of merchant ship that transports dry goods in bulk that are not packed into containers, drums or other packaging. We're talking about cargo such as grain, cement, coal, ore and even sugar.

fishing vessel at sunset

Everything You Need to Know About Fishing Vessels

We all know a fishing vessel is a boat used to catch fish, whether that's on the sea, a lake or a river. It goes without saying that fishing boats vary in size and complexity, but what you might not know is that they can be broken down into a number of main categories and then subcategories.

an army truck rolling off a roro vessel

Everything You Need to Know About RoRo Ships

Do you want to know what a RoRo ship is? If so, you've come to the right place. RoRo stands for roll-on / roll-off which means it's a vessel that has been designed to carry wheeled cargo: Think cars, vans, trailers, busses and trucks. Anything that can be 'rolled on and then rolled off' the ship.

container ship at sunset

Everything You Need to Know About Cargo & Container Ships

Ever wondered what the difference between a cargo and a container ship is? Ever wanted to know exactly what a cargo ship is and whether or not there are different types of cargo and container ships? You've come to the right place! Join us as we take a deep dive.

SAP charts and diagrams on a computer screen

The Application of SAP in Maritime Trade

Want to find out how SAP can help your maritime company increase efficiency & compliancy while letting you make data-driven decisions? Read this.

The LPG tanker, Priestley

Everything You Need to Know About LNG & LPG Tankers

Want to know what LNG & LPG tankers are? If so, you're on the right blog! We're looking at LNG & LPG ships and seeing what they transport and how.

an oil drilling platform at sunset

Everything You Need to Know About Offshore Vessels

Wondering what an offshore vessel is? This blog post covers offshore supply vessels, offshore support vessels, oil exploration vessels and more.

a cable laying ship

Everything You Need to Know About Cable Laying Ships

Want to know what a cable laying ship is? Cable ships are deep sea going vessels which are designed to lay underwater cables on the sea bed.

a boat's hull showing both sides

Why Do Ships Use Port & Starboard?

Why do ships use port & starboard instead of left & right? How do you remember which is port & which is starboard? Our blog post has the answers!

coaster vessel sailing past a port at sunset

Everything You Need to Know About Coaster Vessels

Ever wondered what a coaster vessel is? This article is one in a series of posts about the merchant fleet and covers coastal sailing ships.

an anchor on a dock

What To Do When Your Vessel is Dragging Anchor

What happens when an anchor is lowered but the ship doesn't stay in place? That is called a dragging anchor & we will discuss this in this post.

the rusty hull of a ship

Why Are Vessels Scrapped & What Happens to Them?

In the maritime industry champagne bottle smashings are used to mark the birth of new ships but the fate of retired ships is rarely discussed.

a mining vessel

Everything You Need to Know About Mining Ships

In this post we're going to be taking a look at one of the lesser known merchant ships: The mining vessel. So if you've ever sat down and Googled “what is a mining ship” or “what is a mining vessel” you're in luck!

lighthouse at sunset

What are Aids to Navigation in Maritime?

What are Aids to Navigation (ATONs) in the maritime industry - and why should seafarers always be mindful of them? Let's find out!

battleship's engine room

What Equipment Can You Find in a Ship's Engine Room?

An engine room typically consists of three platforms—the top, middle, and bottom But what is on each of those platforms? And why are they located there?

a hand pointing to a point on a map

How ECDIS Transformed the Maritime Industry

Today, navigation is aided by technology. If you're pinpointing locations or accessing directions, there's a high chance you're using an Electronic Chart Display and Information System AKA ECDIS.

large container ship

What Factors Affect Container Ship Capacity?

Containers are an integral part of shipping and logistics. They are used to transport a wide range of goods around the world, ranging from consumer goods like electronics and clothing to industrial goods like machinery and raw materials.

ship in dry dock

What is Dry Docking & Why Do Ships Do It?

Every machine needs regular maintenance, repairs, and upkeep to operate efficiently. The procedure used for routinely maintaining and repairing ships, boats, and other watercraft is called dry docking.

silhouette of a type of ship at sunset

What Are Some Different Types of Merchant Navy Ships?

There are numerous types of boats and ships plying their trade across the world's oceans, from small pleasure craft to fishing boats and from superyachts to warships. Here at Martide, we're interested in the types of ships you'll find in the merchant navy.

bridge of a ship

What Do Modern Ships Use to Navigate?

In this post we thought we'd take a look at some of the different ways that crews on vessels today navigate so that they, and their cargo (and passengers, if any) can safely and accurately reach their port of destination.

Two backpackers standing on a dock looking at a container ship and surrounded by seafarers

Can Passengers Travel on Cargo Ships?

You think you've seen it all, from opulent cruise ships with 5-star superior suites and eco-retreats with activity programs removed from the mainstream tourists. However, have you ever thought about taking a journey in the "Container Class"?

a fire alarm button

What Are the Different Types of Alarms on Ships?

Coupled with fickle weather, treacherous seas, and a dose of manmade error, life at sea can be challenging and risky. But that's where your ship's emergency signals and alarms can help. They can assist the crew in responding appropriately to a crisis or preventing an issue.

bulk carrier

Sea Trials: The Importance of Putting Ships to the Test

You might have heard of 'sea trials'. But what are sea trials, why are they important and what do they actually involve? At sea, there are any number of factors affecting a voyage so it's crucial for shipowners to be prepared for anything. And this is where sea trials come into play.

large vessel under orange sky

Everything You Need to Know About Supramax Vessels

Aside from container ships, one of the most commonly spotted vessels at sea is the bulk carrier. Unlike container ships which transport goods in - you guessed it - shipping containers, bulk carriers carry loose cargo in huge (bulk) quantities. A Supramax vessel is a type of bulk carrier.

boat's prow with name on

How Are Ships Named?

Virtually every vessel is named, whether it's a merchant navy cargo or container ship, a small yacht used by a family for sailing on their local lake, a canal boat, a military vessel, or a rowboat.

a crane vessel

Everything You Need to Know About Crane Vessels

As you have probably guessed from its name, a crane vessel - also known as a floating crane, crane ship or heavy lift vessel - is an ocean-going vessel which has one or more cranes mounted on to it. These gigantic ships are incredibly powerful and can handle extremely heavy loads.

gas carrier vessel

Everything You Need to Know About Gas Carrier Ships

A gas carrier ship, also known as a gas tanker, LPG/LNG tanker or LPG/LNG carrier is a vessel that has been designed specifically for the purpose of carrying bulk quantities of liquefied petroleum gasses (LPG) or liquefied natural gasses (LNG) from one destination to another.

dredger vessel

Everything You Need to Know About Dredgers

A dredger is a boat equipped with a tool that sucks, excavates or scrapes sediment like sand, silt, gravel, trash, rocks, debris and animal and plant matter from the sea bed or a river, estuary or canal. The materials moved are placed elsewhere or disposed of in an act known as dredging.

car carrier ship

Everything You Need to Know About Car Carrier Ships

A car carrier or car carrier ship is a vessel that's been designed for the transportation of either just cars, or a combination of cars, trucks, buses and other wheeled vehicles. Car carriers are a type of RoRo ships - which means Roll-On, Roll-Off, as this is how their cargo is loaded and unloaded.

chemical tanker at sunset

Everything You Need to Know About Chemical Tankers

A chemical tanker is a type of cargo ship that has been specifically constructed, or adapted, to carry liquid chemicals in bulk. They are the main form of transport when it comes to moving the commodities that provide the world with its energy requirements from point A to point B.

aerial shot of tanker vessel

Everything You Need to Know About Oil Tankers

A tanker is a ship that transports liquid cargo in bulk. It doesn't use containers or barrels but stores the liquid in a hold. The majority of tankers carry oil, hence the name, however some tankers also move edible oils and other liquified food stuffs such as treacle/molasses and drinks like wine.

heavy lift vessel

Everything You Need to Know About Heavy Lift Vessels

A heavy lift vessel (HLV) is a huge freight ship designed to carry cargo that goes above and beyond the size and weight of the kind of items usually found on a container ship. Think: Dredging equipment, floating dry docks and plants, drilling rigs, offshore structures and even other vessels.

sailboat and bulk carrier

Your Guide to Types of Boats, Yachts, Ships & Vessels

It'll come as no surprise that there's a whole host of different boats, ships, vessels, and other watercraft out there. From the smallest canoe to traditional sailing clippers and from cargo ships to icebreakers and fishing boats, there's no end of topics to explore. Which is what we're going to do!

an autonomous ship at sea

Autonomous Ships: The Future of Maritime Transport?

Driverless cars have been making headlines for a while now but while the roads of our cities are yet to be populated by autonomous vehicles the technology is proving it's not just a flash in the pan - so when will we see marine tech such as smart ships making waves?

AI generated image of an autonomous vessel

Will Autonomous Ships Signal the End of Seafarer Jobs?

Autonomous ships and smart ships are buzzwords that have been doing the rounds in the maritime industry recently. And it's not surprising that many have expressed concern for the future of seafarer jobs. But the rise of self sailing ships doesn't necessarily mean the end of the mariner. Here's why.

container ship sailing towards bridge

Life on a Container Ship: A Shore-Based Employee's Week at Sea

Do you see yourself living life on a container ship? Are you considering a career in the maritime industry? Maybe you just want to know what life on a vessel is like? Our office-based coworker recently spent a week on a cargo ship and this is a unique insight into day-to-day life at sea.