How fast are freight ships?

Question

How fast are freight ships?

Answer 1

Masterlymeyhem's got it just so, although I'll add that the US's now defunct SL-7 container ships could do 34 knots. Fruit carriers (or 'reefer ships') are pretty zippy, too... 18-23 kt.

Answer 2

The average speed of cargo ships is between 12 - 18 knots, however some of the large container ships can push 27 knots.

This compares to cruise ships which go around 18-26 knots (the QE2 and the QM2 can do just over 32!!)

and warships which go from 30 - ?? knots

Answer 3

I listen to Vessel Traffic Service and the offshore shipping reports here in San Francisco and regularly hear ships reporting 18 to 22 kts.

Answer 4

awwww you already have some great and informative answers

but the natural smart aleck in my had to say if they are hauling race cars, they are faster than ships hauling tractors

Answer 5

While cruising in the Caribbean & Florida when you see the first siting on the horizon there on you in around 15 minutes> So you have to be alert>

Answer 6

It depends on the cargo that they carry. If you really want to learn more about Freight Ship you can read this article.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cargo_ship

Answer 7

Most bulk cargo ships steam about 13-15 knots while container ships steam a little faster up to 18-20 knots.