What is a MPP ship (multi-purpose ship)?

Multi-purpose ships, commonly known as MPP ships, are versatile vessels designed to carry various types of cargo, including heavy and oversized items, such as machinery, vehicles, and project cargo.

MPP ships are preferred by shipping companies because of their ability to perform different tasks, making them cost-effective and efficient.

History of MPP Ships

Multi-purpose ships have been around for a long time, and their design has evolved over the years to meet the changing needs of the shipping industry. The first MPP ships were built in the 1950s, but they were not as versatile as the modern ones we have today.

The early MPP ships were designed to carry a specific type of cargo, and they lacked the flexibility and adaptability of the modern MPP ships.

However, with the advent of containerization, the need for versatile and adaptable cargo ships became apparent. Containerization revolutionized the shipping industry, and MPP ships became more popular as they could carry a wide range of containerized and non-containerized cargo.

Design of MPP Ships

MPP (Multi-Purpose) ships are vessels that can transport various types of cargo, including project cargo, heavy lift cargo, and breakbulk cargo. The design of MPP ships involves several important considerations to ensure their versatility and efficiency in carrying different cargoes.

One key design aspect is the ship’s hull shape. The hull should have a large cargo hold with minimal obstructions to allow for the easy loading and unloading of cargo. The hull should also be designed to handle heavy and bulky cargoes, such as machinery and equipment.

Another important factor in the design of MPP ships is the deck layout. The deck should be designed to accommodate different types of cargo, such as containers, pallets, and oversized items. The deck should also have adequate strength and support to handle heavy and concentrated loads.

Another crucial factor in the design of MPP ships is the inclusion of cranes. MPP ships often have onboard cranes that can lift heavy cargo on and off the vessel, making them versatile and capable of loading and unloading cargo in areas where port infrastructure is limited or nonexistent.

The number and capacity of the cranes can vary depending on the ship’s intended use and cargo requirements. The crane design should consider factors such as reach, lifting capacity, and stability, to ensure safe and efficient cargo handling operations. Additionally, the location and arrangement of the cranes on the ship should be considered in relation to the vessel’s stability and load distribution.

The propulsion system is also a crucial consideration in MPP ship design. The ship should have sufficient power to navigate in different sea conditions and to maintain a high cruising speed while carrying a full cargo load. The propulsion system should also be reliable and fuel-efficient to reduce operating costs.

In addition to the above factors, the design of MPP ships also involves considerations such as stability, maneuverability, and safety. MPP ships should be able to operate safely in different weather conditions and sea states, and they should have robust safety systems and equipment to protect both the crew and cargo.

Overall, the design of MPP ships requires a balance between cargo capacity, versatility, efficiency, and safety. With careful consideration of these factors, MPP ships can provide a reliable and flexible transportation solution for a wide range of cargo types and markets.

Advantages of MPP Ships

MPP ships offer several advantages over other types of cargo ships. Some of the advantages include:

1. Versatility: MPP ships are versatile and adaptable, making them suitable for a wide range of cargo types.
2. Efficiency: MPP ships can perform different tasks, making them more cost-effective and efficient.
3. Flexibility: MPP ships have a flexible cargo hold arrangement that allows them to carry different types of cargo, including oversized and heavy items.
4. Accessibility: MPP ships have a large deck area that is accessible by different types of cargo handling equipment, making them suitable for loading and unloading cargo.
5. Durability: MPP ships are built to withstand the harsh marine environment, making them durable and long-lasting.

Disadvantages of MPP Ships

Despite their advantages, MPP ships also have some disadvantages. Some of the disadvantages include:

1. Limited speed: MPP ships are not as fast as other types of cargo ships, making them unsuitable for time-sensitive cargo.
2. Limited cargo capacity: MPP ships have a limited cargo capacity compared to other types of cargo ships, making them unsuitable for large-scale cargo operations.
3. High operating costs: MPP ships are more expensive to operate compared to other types of cargo ships, mainly due to the specialized equipment and personnel required to operate them.

The Biggest Player On Mpp Market

The MPP shipping market is highly competitive and fragmented, with many players operating in different regions and with varying levels of specialization. Some of the biggest players in the MPP market include:

1. BBC Chartering: A German-based company that specializes in project cargo shipping and has a fleet of over 140 vessels. BBC Chartering fleet includes 13 MPP ships equipped with two cranes, each up to 400 mt. Combinable up to 800 mt safe working load that is enough for most break bulk and project cargos.
2. Spliethoff: A Dutch shipping company that operates a fleet of 52 vessels, including MPP ships, and provides a range of services. The company is a member of Splithoff Group and specializes in project cargo and break bulk. Worth noting Splithoff P14-type ships that are equipped with two cranes with 700 mt lifting capacity. Combinable to 1400 mt safe working load allowed them to move extremely heavy loads. Splithoff is often can be met involved in boat and yacht transportation on the deck of their ships.
3. BigLift Shipping: A Dutch company that operates a fleet of heavy lift vessels and provides specialized project cargo shipping services. It is another member of the Splithoff Group and specializes in project & heavy lifts. BigLift shipping fleet includes heavy lift ships with extraordinary features that offer lifting capabilities up to 2,200 mt in a tandem lift.
4. AAL Shipping: A Singapore-based company that operates a fleet of over 25 MPP ships and provides shipping services for a range of cargo types, including project cargo, heavy lift, and dry bulk. The largest lifting capacity in the AAL Shipping fleet is a combined 700 mt on Super B-Class MPP ships.
5. Thorco Projects: A Danish company that operates a fleet of over 70 vessels, including MPP ships geared up to 450 mt cranes, and specializes in project cargo shipping.

Other notable players in the MPP market include Chipolbrok, Gearbulk, Jumbo Maritime, and Intermarine.

Conclusion

Multi-purpose ships, or MPP ships, are versatile vessels designed to carry different types of cargo, making them cost-effective and efficient. MPP ships have a large open deck area and a flexible cargo hold arrangement, which allows them to carry different types of cargo, including oversized and heavy items. While MPP ships have some disadvantages, their versatility and adaptability make them an essential part of the shipping industry.

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