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Tweendecker / MPP Carrier Specifications

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These are general averages and can vary depending on the specific design of a MPP. Their design allows for the transport of a variety of cargo types, including containers, project cargo, and bulk materials, making them versatile and adaptable for different shipping needs.

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1. Deadweight Tonnage (DWT):

This refers to the maximum weight a ship can safely carry, including the crew, passengers, cargo, fuel, water, and stores. For MPP vessels, this typically ranges between 10,000 and 30,000 metric tons DWT.

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2. Length Overall (LOA):

This is the maximum length of the vessel. For MPP vessels, it’s usually around 120-190 meters.

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3. Breadth (Width):

Usually, the breadth of an MPP vessel is around 20-30 meters.

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4. Draft:

The draft of these carriers will generally range from around 6 to 10 meters when fully loaded. The draft will change depending on the weight and distribution of its cargo.

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5. Cargo Capacity:

Cargo capacity can vary, but usually, these vessels can carry between 15,000 to 35,000 cubic meters of bulk cargo.

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6. Number of Holds/Hatches:

MPP carriers usually have 3 to 7 cargo holds with corresponding hatches for loading and unloading cargo.

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7. Engine Power:

This can vary significantly depending on the exact design of the ship, but the main engine of an MPP typically generates around 5,000 to 10,000 horsepower.

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8. Speed:

On average, MPP vessels can travel at speeds around 12-15 knots.

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‍What is a Tweendecker / MPP Carrier?

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Tweendecker or MPPs are a class of versatile vessels designed to transport a variety of cargoes. These ships generally range from 120 to 190 meters in length with a deadweight tonnage (DWT) between 10,000 and 30,000 tons. The term "Multi-purpose" reflects their ability to handle diverse cargo types and configurations, making them exceptionally adaptable for various shipping needs.

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Due to their intermediate size and superior flexibility, MPPs can access numerous ports that larger ships cannot and are equipped with onboard cranes, allowing them to load and unload cargo in ports lacking the necessary infrastructure.

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MPP vessels are commonly used on routes that do not require the capacity of larger ships like Panamax and Capesize vessels. They transport a wide range of cargoes, including containerized goods, break-bulk cargo, project cargo, and bulk commodities.

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Tweendecker / MPP Carrier Employment

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Tweendecker or MPPs are frequently employed on trade routes that necessitate their unique features: intermediate size, flexibility, and the capability to self-load and unload using onboard cranes. These characteristics make MPP vessels ideal for ports with size limitations or minimal infrastructure.

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Here’s a closer look at the employment and types of cargo handled by MPPs:

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Employment:

Normally, MPPs participate in "tramp trade," meaning they do not operate on fixed routes or schedules. They transport cargo wherever it needs to go, which can vary from voyage to voyage. Due to their size and flexibility, these vessels can access many ports that larger vessels cannot reach. This makes them perfect for routes with varying port conditions or where cargo volumes do not justify the use of larger vessels.

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Tweendecker/MPP vessels play a crucial role in international maritime trade. Their versatility and flexibility make them an essential part of the global shipping fleet, significantly contributing to efficient and adaptable cargo transportation across diverse routes and port conditions.

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Tweendecker / MPP Carrier Cargo

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Tweendecker or MPPs transport a diverse range of cargo. They often handle "minor" bulk cargoes, which include commodities such as:

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1. Agricultural Products:

These can include crops like soybeans, wheat, corn, barley, and others.

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2. Steel:

MPPs frequently transport steel products, including coiled or straight steel, steel plates, and structural steel.

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3. Forest Products:

These can include logs, lumber, pulp, and similar materials.

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4. Fertilizers:

Various types of fertilizers are commonly shipped via MPP, such as potash, urea, and ammonium nitrate.

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5. Ores and Minerals:

While larger volumes of iron ore and coal are generally carried by larger Capesize and Panamax vessels, MPPs can also transport these cargoes, as well as other ores and minerals like bauxite, alumina, and phosphates, especially when shipped from smaller ports.

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6. General or Break-Bulk Cargo:

This category includes non-containerized goods, products packed in bags, boxes, or drums, and items that must be loaded individually. Examples include machinery, project cargo, and other industrial equipment.

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7. Project Cargo:

MPP carriers are particularly suited for project cargo, which includes oversized and heavy items such as wind turbine components, construction machinery, and industrial equipment .

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8. Containers:

MPPs can also transport standard shipping containers, adding to their versatility.

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The Versatility and Economic Impact of Tweendecker / MPP Carriers

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Tweendecker or MPPS' primary advantage lies in their versatility. Their intermediate size and onboard loading/unloading equipment make them suitable for a wide array of tasks. While larger vessels might offer more efficiency for single, large-volume cargoes, MPP vessels can transport a diverse range of cargoes, enabling them to adapt to changing market conditions and varied cargo types.

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Despite not being the largest category of vessels, MPPs make up a significant portion of the global vessel fleet. They are more cost-effective to build and operate than larger ships, making them a popular choice for many shipping companies, especially those operating in regional or specialized markets.

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Tweendecker or MPPs are a crucial component of the global maritime fleet. Their versatility and economic impact enhance international trade by providing flexible and efficient transportation solutions for a diverse range of cargoes across the world's oceans.

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