5 Largest Ships In The World
Photo Credit: ThinkstockThe Earth is made up of mostly water, so there is no wonder as to why ship designers are going what it takes to make ships bigger and better. Many of the largest ships that sail the waters of the world are used for commercial purposes, including use as an oil tanker, shipping containers and building oil and gas platforms. There are even some cruise ships that are classified as some of the largest ships in the world.
The Mont, also known as Knock Nevis, Jahre Viking, Happy Giant and Seawise Giant, is an oil tanker and the largest ship in the world. Before it was decommissioned in 2009, the Mont was the longest ship ever built. The Mont was built by Sumitomo Heavy Industries, Ltd. in their shipyard in Japan back in 1979. The ship was attacked in the Strait of Hormuz during the Iran-Iraq War in 1988 and it was believed that she was completely lost after she sank. Luckily, the wreckage was able to be salvaged and repaired.
She was bought in 1991 by the Norwegian Jorgen Jahre. The Mont was then official renamed Jahre Viking and sailed under the Norwegian flag until 2004. In 2004 she was renamed Knock Nevins, when she was purchased by First Olsen Tankers Pte. Ltd. Then, she was renamed Mont again for her final voyage to India before being decommissioned. The Mont measured 1503 feet in length.
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Formerly known as the Pieter Schelte, the Pioneering Spirit is the largest platform installation ship in the world. According to Allseas, this ship is currently being used for "single-lift installation and removal of large offshore oil and gas platforms." It is also being use to install gas and oil pipelines at sea. The Pioneering Spirit is a twin-hulled vessel that is 382 meters long and 124 meters wide. It is capable of straddling platforms when removing entire topsides in a single lift. Allseas contracted South Korean Shipyard Daewoo to build this ship.
Photo Credit: STR/AFP/Getty ImagesCSCL Globe
The China Shipping Container Lines (CSCL) ordered the first of five 19,000 TEU container ships back in May of 2013. These ships were ordered from Hyundai Heavy Industries Co., Ltd. The CSCL Globe's naming ceremony was held in November 2014 and is the world's largest container ship. The Globe measures in at 400 meters in length, 58.6 meters in width and 30.5 meters in depth. This is as large as four soccer fields. The globe was deployed and operated on the Asia-Europe trade loop and is the largest container ship in the world.
The MS Ore Brasil was formerly known as the Vale Brasil. This ship is the largest bulk carrier ever built and is one of the longest still in service today. The MS Ore Brasil is part of the Vale fleet chartered by the Brazilian ore giant — Companhia Vale do Rio Doce. The ship is used to carry iron ore from Brazil to European and Asian ports. The MS Ore Brasil measures 362 meters long and is one of seven 400,000 ton ore carriers that were ordered by the company and launched in December 2010.
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The Oasis Class Cruise Ships are part of Royal Caribbean's fleet and are the largest cruise ships sailing today. When launched, the Oasis-class surpassed the Freedom-class of ships as the longest and largest passenger ships in the world. These ships feature a split structure, with a five-deck high "central park" and "boardwalk," which are outdoor areas that run down the center of the ship featuring lush tropical gardens. You will also find upscale restaurants, shops and a carousel in these areas. Ships in Royal Caribbean's Oasis-class fleet include Oasis of the Seas, Anthem of the Seas and Allure of the Seas. They are 360 meters long and can host up to 5,400 passengers. If you are planning a cruise, make plans to sail on one of these majestic ships for a journey you will never forget.
