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Showing posts from April, 2025

How Are Ships Tracked in Real Time? | Powered by Ship Search

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Once upon a time, knowing where a ship was on the ocean required waiting for it to radio in or reach a port. Today, things are different. With real-time ship tracking, powered by platforms like Ship Search, we can pinpoint a ship’s location at any moment, no matter where it is on the globe. This advancement is a game-changer for the maritime industry . From cruise liners and container vessels to general cargo ships and oil tankers, real-time tracking helps enhance safety, improve logistics, and bring more transparency to global trade. How It Works Modern ships are equipped with an Automatic Identification System (AIS), which constantly transmits a ship's identity, position, speed, direction, and other navigational data. This information is picked up by satellite and terrestrial receivers and then relayed through platforms such as Ship Search, Marine Traffic , and Vessel Finder . With access to this data, you can track thousands of vessels at once — be it a small cargo ship crossi...

From Sail to Steam: A Timeline of Maritime Innovation

  By Ship Search The history of maritime innovation is a powerful testament to human ingenuity and the relentless pursuit of progress. From the age of sail to today’s data-driven, steel-hulled giants, the transformation of shipping has redefined how the world moves goods, people, and ideas. At Ship Search, we’re proud to help navigate this evolution, offering tools and insights that connect maritime tradition with modern innovation. The Age of Sail: Origins of Global Commerce In the early days of maritime trade, tall ships with vast sails ruled the oceans. Vessels like caravels and galleons opened up sea routes connecting continents, enabling the exchange of commodities such as spices, tea, and textiles. These early cargo ships were small by today’s standards, but their impact was massive. They formed the backbone of early global economies and helped define the very concept of international commerce. Although navigation was rudimentary and ship crashes were common, these vess...

What Is a Shipping Manifest? A Real-World Look with Ship Search

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If you’ve ever tracked a shipment, waited on a delivery, or wondered how global trade flows so smoothly, you’ve already brushed against the quiet power of a shipping manifest . At Ship Search, where we connect people with ships, cargo information, and maritime services, we often get asked about this seemingly simple but crucial document. So, what exactly is a shipping manifest—and why does it matter so much in the world of maritime logistics? The Document That Keeps Ships in Check A shipping manifest is a detailed record of all the cargo being transported on a ship. Think of it as the ship’s packing list, but at a much more advanced level. It includes the names of the cargo owners, descriptions of goods, container numbers, point of origin, destination, and even special handling instructions if needed. Whether it’s a container vessel loaded with electronics or a bulk carrier transporting raw materials, the manifest acts like a master guide. This document helps port authorities, customs...

What’s the Purpose of a Ship’s Funnel?

When you look at a ship, whether it’s a cargo ship or a cruise ship, one of the most recognizable features is its funnel. The large, often towering structure protruding from the deck has a purpose beyond its aesthetic value. A ship’s funnel plays a critical role in the operation and efficiency of a vessel, particularly when it comes to the smooth running of marine engines and ensuring the ship stays operational for long-haul journeys across the ocean. In this article, we will explore the importance of a ship’s funnel, its functions, and the impact it has on the world of maritime transport. This includes details on everything from cargo ships and container vessels to the role of funnels in large oil tankers. What is a Ship’s Funnel? The funnel of a ship, also known as a smokestack, is an essential component that serves the purpose of venting out the gases and smoke produced by the ship’s engine. Just like the exhaust pipe in a car, the funnel is designed to expel the combustion by-prod...