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

Eve Church
03 Feb, 2026
05 Mins read

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

Cargo holds are among the most important spaces on a cargo ship or bulk carrier because, no prizes for guessing, they’re where the vessel’s entire load is stored, transported, and kept safe during a voyage.

Whether a ship is carrying grain, coal, steel, liquids or containers packed with goods, the design and operation of the holds play a key role in maintaining stability, protecting the cargo, and ensuring a safe journey across the ocean.

This blog post, which is part of a series of articles about the different areas on commercial ships, explains what cargo holds are, how they’re designed, what types of cargo different vessels carry, and how they’re managed by the crew.

What are Cargo Holds on a Ship?

Cargo holds are large enclosed spaces located within the hull of a cargo ship, tanker or bulk carrier. They’re designed to store and transport goods securely while protecting those goods from seawater, weather, and movement during the voyage.

Most cargo ships have several holds arranged from the bow to the stern. The number and size of these holds depend on the type of vessel:

• Bulk carriers may have 5 to 9 very large holds

• General cargo ships have smaller, more versatile holds

• Container ships use open holds with cell guides for containers

The holds sit below the main deck and are accessed via cargo hatches that open from above.

an aerial view of a bulk carrier in port

Where Cargo Holds are Located on a Vessel

Cargo holds are located in the central part of the ship’s hull. This area gives the vessel a low center of gravity and improves stability while allowing for maximum cargo capacity.

The basic arrangement usually looks like this:

• Hatches and covers on the main deck

• Holds beneath the hatches

• Tank top forming the base of the hold

• Double-bottom tanks below for fuel or ballast water

This layout ensures the cargo is structurally supported and easy to load or unload using cranes, conveyors, or shore equipment.

Types of Cargo Holds

Different ships use different types of holds, depending on the cargo they transport.

Bulk Carrier Holds

For the most part, bulk carriers transport dry unpackaged cargo such as grain, coal, ore, or sand. Their holds are:

Wide and open

Designed to support very heavy loads

Equipped with high-strength hatch covers

Some bulk carriers use self-unloading systems with conveyors installed inside the holds.

sand being loaded into a bulk carriers cargo holds

General Cargo Holds

These holds carry mixed cargo such as machinery, bags, pallets, or steel products. They may include:

Tweendecks (removable platforms)

Adjustable partitions

Additional securing points

This makes them flexible for handling various types of goods.

Container Ship Holds

Container ships use vertical cell guides to stack containers securely. The holds extend deep into the hull and allow containers to be stacked both below and above deck.

Refrigerated Holds

Some vessels have insulated cargo spaces with temperature control for transporting perishable goods. These are common on reefer ships but may also be found on general cargo vessels.

What You’ll Find Inside a Cargo Hold

The inside of a cargo hold is mostly empty space designed for maximum capacity, but several essential features support cargo operations.

Common elements include:

Tank Top floor

Strong structural framing

Lashing points for securing cargo

Bilge wells for draining water

Ventilation ducts

Lighting for inspections

Access ladders and escape routes

Bulk carriers may also have:

Feeding wells for grain

Strengthened frames for ore

Reinforced coatings to resist abrasion

an aerial view of a container ship being loaded in port

Loading and Unloading the Holds

Loading and unloading cargo holds is a major operation that requires planning and coordination.

Typical methods include:

Shoreside cranes lifting goods through the hatch

Ship cranes on vessels equipped with their own gear

Conveyor belts feeding bulk material directly into the hold

Grab buckets for coal, ore, or sand

Forklifts and loaders for general cargo

Crew must follow loading plans carefully to ensure even distribution of weight. Uneven cargo can cause stability issues or even lead to a dangerous listing of the ship

Securing the Cargo

Different cargoes require different securing methods, again this is to prevent cargo shifting and being damaged and compromising stability.

Lashings and chains for steel or machinery

Dunnage (wood or mats) to protect surfaces

Shoring boards

Depending on the freight carried, a cargo hold may also need ventilation for cargo that produces heat or moisture and fumigation procedures if needed for grain.

soil being loaded on to a cargo ship using bucket cranes

Maintaining Cargo Holds

Cargo holds must be kept clean, dry, and structurally sound. Part of a seafarer’s job, depending on their rank and role is to regularly inspect holds for:

Rust or corrosion

Cracks in framing

Damaged coatings

Water ingress

Residue from previous cargo

Bulk carrier vessels in particular require cleaning between cargoes to avoid contamination, which can delay loading or lead to financial penalties.

Cleaning methods include:

High-pressure washing

Sweeping and scraping

Use of chemicals for certain residues

Ventilation to remove moisture

Cargo Holds and Safety

Cargo holds can be hazardous spaces. No seafarer job is without its risk, but issues can include:

Limited oxygen in enclosed spaces

Falling from ladders or platforms

Cargo collapse

Toxic gases from some materials

Slippery surfaces

Poor lighting

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

It therefore stands to reason that safety rules should be implemented and these often include:

Testing air quality before entry

Never entering alone

Using protective equipment

Securing ladders and openings

Communicating with someone on deck

Crew must be trained in enclosed-space entry procedures - accidents in holds can be extremely dangerous.

Why Cargo Holds are So Important

Cargo holds are at the core of a cargo ship’s purpose. They determine how much freight a ship can carry, how safely it can travel, and how efficiently it can load and unload.

Efficient loading and unloading is important as the vast majority of shipowners and operators want a quick turnaround at ports. Gone are the days when seafarers could spend a couple of days chilling on shore leave – now more than ever, time is money!

The importance of cargo holds includes:

Capacity

They provide the space needed to transport large volumes of goods across oceans.

Stability

Properly loaded holds help maintain the ship’s balance and seaworthiness.

Cargo Protection

Holds shield cargo from seawater, weather, and vessel movement.

Operational Efficiency

A well-designed hold layout can speed up loading and reduce port time.

a container ship in port at sunset

Typical Layout of Cargo Holds

While designs vary by ship type, a standard layout may include:

Section	Function
Hatch covers	Protect the cargo and seal the hold
Cargo hold interior	Main storage space for goods
Side framing	Structural support to withstand cargo loads
Tank top	Floor of the hold, supports weight
Bilge wells	To drain any collected water
Access ladders	Entry for inspections and maintenance

Final Thoughts on Cargo Holds on Ships

The holds are the core of a cargo ship’s design and purpose. From massive bulk carrier holds to structured container guides, these spaces allow ships to transport goods safely and efficiently across long distances.

Understanding how holds work gives a clearer picture of the complexity and precision behind every voyage, as well as the importance of the crew members who load, secure, and maintain them.

FAQ About Cargo Holds on Ships

What are the cargo holds on a ship?

Cargo holds are the large enclosed spaces inside the hull where goods are stored during the voyage.

How many cargo holds does a ship have?

It depends on the ship type. Bulk carriers may have 5 to 9 holds, while container ships may have several deep holds with cell guides.

How is cargo loaded into the holds?

Cargo is loaded using cranes, conveyors, grabs, forklifts, or shipboard lifting gear, depending on the goods.

Why is securing cargo important?

Unsecured cargo can shift, damage the ship, cause instability, or lead to accidents.

Are cargo holds dangerous?

They can be. Crew must follow strict safety rules due to risks such as low oxygen, falling hazards, and unstable cargo.

Read the previous article in this series: What is the Forecastle on a Cargo Ship & Why is it Important

Read the next article in this series: The Sick Bay on a Cargo Ship: Medical Care at Sea