How Many Shipping Containers Fit on a Cargo Ship?

Shipping containers have transformed the way the world trades. They are strong, secure, and standardised, allowing goods of every kind to move safely across oceans. But one of the most common questions we hear is: how many shipping containers fit on a cargo ship?

The answer depends on the ship’s size and the type of containers being carried. Let’s explore how container capacity is measured, why it matters, and how this global logistics system connects to the shipping containers available to buy or convert in the UK.

Why Are Shipping Containers Used for Cargo Shipping?

Shipping containers were first standardised in the 1950s. This standardisation made it possible to load containers directly from ship to lorry or train without unpacking, dramatically speeding up international trade.

The benefits of containers remain clear today:

Efficiency – containers can be transferred seamlessly between transport modes.
Security – sealed, watertight units protect against theft and weather damage.
Durability – containers are engineered to survive extreme marine conditions.
Versatility – beyond transport, containers are used for storage and bespoke conversions into workshops, offices, laboratories, retail spaces, and plant rooms.

If you’re buying or converting a container, you benefit from the same design features that have made them indispensable to global trade.

How Is Cargo Ship Capacity Measured?

Container ship capacity is measured in TEUs (Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units).

A 20ft container counts as 1 TEU.
A 40ft container (FEU – Forty-Foot Equivalent Unit) counts as 2 TEUs.

Early Container Ships vs Modern Giants

In the 1960s, the first container ships carried around 100 TEUs.
Today, ultra-large container vessels (ULCVs) carry more than 21,000 TEUs.
For example, OOCL Hong Kong – one of the largest in the world – has a capacity exceeding 21,400 TEUs.

Container Dimensions

20ft container (TEU): 20ft x 8ft x 8ft, approx. 1,360 cubic feet capacity.
40ft container (FEU): double the size, approx. 2,720 cubic feet capacity.

A mega ship carrying 21,413 TEUs has a total cargo capacity of over 29 million cubic feet – enough to carry millions of tonnes of goods across oceans in one voyage.

Why Does Cargo Ship Capacity Matter?

The ability to transport thousands of containers at once makes sea freight the most cost-effective and environmentally efficient way to move goods globally.

Economies of scale – more containers per voyage reduces per-unit shipping costs.
Lower emissions – mega ships emit fewer greenhouse gases per container than road or air transport.
Global connectivity – container shipping supports international trade, ensuring products reach UK businesses quickly and reliably.

As global demand for goods continues to rise, the shipping industry is designing even larger vessels to increase efficiency further.

FAQs About Cargo Ships and Containers

Can I buy shipping containers in the UK?

Yes. Many UK businesses and individuals purchase containers for storage, transport, or bespoke conversions such as retail units, workshops, and generator housings.

Do all ships carry containers?

No. Bulk carriers and tankers move raw materials like coal or oil. Container ships are specifically designed to carry and stack intermodal containers.

How many 40ft containers fit on a cargo ship?

A 40ft container equals 2 TEUs. A ship with 20,000 TEU capacity can carry around 10,000 FEUs.

What is the largest container ship in the world?

The record-holders are ultra-large container vessels with capacities exceeding 21,000 TEUs.

Shipping Containers for Sale and Conversion in the UK

At S Jones Containers, we bring decades of expertise in supplying and converting shipping containers for commercial, industrial, and private use.

Our services include:

Container sales and hire in the UK – 20ft and 40ft containers available.
Bespoke conversions – from workshops and laboratories to retail spaces and energy storage enclosures.
Expert advice – we help businesses choose the right size, configuration, and modifications for their project.
Nationwide delivery – we serve customers across the UK quickly and efficiently.

Whether you need a single storage unit or a fully customised container solution, our team is here to help.

Why Choose Container Conversions?

Many UK businesses are turning to container conversions as a cost-effective, flexible alternative to traditional buildings. Converted containers are:

Customisable – tailored to your exact requirements.
Portable – relocatable if your site changes.
Durable – built to withstand weather and heavy use.
Sustainable – reusing containers reduces environmental impact.

Popular applications include:

Pop-up retail and hospitality – cafés, restaurants, and exhibition stands.
Energy and utilities – generator housings, switchgear units, and battery storage enclosures.
Industrial and R&D – laboratories, plant rooms, and workshops.

Get Expert Advice Today

If you’ve been researching how many shipping containers fit on a cargo ship, you now understand just how vast the world of container logistics is. But shipping containers aren’t just for international trade – they’re an increasingly popular solution for UK businesses looking for secure storage or innovative workspaces.

At S Jones Containers, we supply, hire, and convert containers across the UK. From straightforward storage units to complex bespoke projects, we’ll help you find the right solution.

Contact us today for a free quote and expert advice on buying, hiring, or converting a shipping container.

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