Elite 15: The World’s Top-Rated Ships

From cruise ships to cargo carriers, container vessels to warships, these mega marine marvels represent the leading edge in naval engineering and maritime innovation. 

Prelude FLNG to Royal Caribbean

1. Prelude FLNG (Shell)

The Prelude FLNG, operated by Shell, is the largest ship currently in operation. This massive floating liquefied natural gas (LNG) facility has a length of 488 meters and width of 74 meters. Constructed in South Korea and launched in 2017, the Prelude has the capacity to extract, process, and store natural gas extracted from offshore sites. It can produce up to 5.3 million tonnes of LNG annually.

2. Mein Schiff 6 (TUI Cruises)

At 315 meters long and 37 meters wide, Mein Schiff 6 held the record for largest cruise ship from its launch in 2017 until 2019. Operated by TUI Cruises, it has a guest capacity of 5,926 along with 1,500 crew members. The 18-deck ship features multiple pools, 13 restaurants, bars, spa & wellness facilities. It sails in Northern Europe and the Mediterranean.

3. Wonder of the Seas (Royal Caribbean)

Wonder of the Seas surpassed the Mein Schiff 6 as the new largest cruise ship when it debuted in 2022. At 362 meters long and 47 meters wide, it has a maximum capacity of 6,988 passengers and 2,300 crew aboard its 16 guest decks. It features amenities like pool decks, 20 dining venues, a 10-story slide, and a park with over 20,000 plants.

4. Ever Given (Evergreen Marine)

Ever Given, operated by Evergreen Marine, gained notoriety when it blocked the Suez Canal for six days in 2021 due to high winds and a sandstorm. One of the largest container ships in the world, it measures 400 meters long and 59 meters wide. It can carry over 20,000 shipping containers and has a maximum capacity of 224,000 tonnes.

5. Harmony of the Seas (Royal Caribbean)

The Harmony of the Seas has held the record for largest passenger ship since 2016. The 362 meter long cruise ship can accommodate nearly 7,000 passengers and 2,300 crew members. It features luxury amenities including multiple waterslides, 20 dining options, robotic bartenders, and high diving performances.

Ford to TI Asia

6. USS Gerald R. Ford (US Navy)

The USS Gerald R. Ford is the US Navy’s newest and most advanced aircraft carrier. Launched in 2017, it measures 337 meters long and uses the latest technology including electromagnetic catapults to launch aircraft. The nuclear-powered carrier has a 4.5 acre flight deck and capacity of about 5,000 personnel when at full capacity.

7. Symphony of the Seas (Royal Caribbean)

Very similar in size to the Harmony of the Seas, Symphony of the Seas measures 362 meters long and 47 meters wide. This giant cruise ship can hold nearly 7,000 passengers and 2,200 crew members. It features attractions like surf simulators, water slides, robot bartenders, and has 18 decks.

8. Queen Mary 2 (Cunard)

The Queen Mary 2 holds the title of the largest transatlantic ocean liner currently in service. The 345 meter long ship was built in 2003 and undertakes regular transatlantic crossings. It offers luxury amenities likes boutiques, 15 restaurants, dog kennels, and the first planetarium at sea. It can accommodate 2,691 passengers and 1,292 crew members.

9. CMA CGM Marco Polo (CMA CGM)

Owned by the French container transportation company CMA CGM, the Marco Polo has a capacity of 16,020 TEU containers. Measuring 396 meters in length and 53 meters wide, the Marco Polo is one of largest container ships in the world. It uses cutting-edge technology to optimize fuel efficiency on its routes between Asia and Europe.

10. TI Asia (MSC)

The TI Asia container ship has a maximum capacity of 19,224 TEU containers. Owned by MSC, it measures 400 meters long and 59 meters wide. Advanced features like an ultra-long stroke main engine and optimized hull help minimize its environmental impact. The TI Asia primarily travels between Asia and Northern Europe.

Golden Ray To Evergreen Marine

11. Golden Ray (Hyundai Glovis)

The Golden Ray, operated by Hyundai Glovis, sank off the coast of Georgia in 2019 when it capsized shortly after leaving port. It remains one of the largest vehicle carrier ships, measuring 200 meters long and 36 meters wide. It had a capacity of 6,933 vehicles and 24 crew members when it met with disaster.

12. BHP Olympic Dam (BHP)

The BHP Olympic Dam is the world’s largest bulk carrier ship specifically designed for a single commodity. It transports up to 350,000 tonnes of copper concentrate from BHP’s Olympic Dam mine in Australia. Spanning a length of 300 meters, this giant ship uses green technology to maximize energy efficiency.

13. COSCO Shipping Aries (COSCO Shipping)

At 400 meters long and 58.6 meters wide, the COSCO Shipping Aries ultra-large container vessel officially became the largest container ship in the world when it was launched in 2021. It uses energy saving technologies and can carry up to 23,992 TEU containers. The ship primarily transports goods between Asia and Europe.

14. Jacques Saadé (CMA CGM)

The Jacques Saadé, launched in 2020 by CMA CGM, is tied for largest container ship along with the COSCO Shipping Aries. Identically sized at 400 meters long and 58.6 meters wide, it has a maximum capacity of 23,112 TEU. Designed for Asia – Europe trade, the ship incorporates innovative technologies to limit environmental impact.

15. Ever Ace (Evergreen Marine)

Currently the newest ultra-large container vessel in the world, the Ever Ace set sail in 2021. The Ever Ace measures 400 meters long – the same massive length as others on this list. However, it edges them out in width at 61.5 meters wide, allowing it to carry up to 24,000 TEU containers. Like its peers, it focuses on the Asia to Europe route.

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Source: InfoGuide Nigeria

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