Since ancient times, the ability to swim like a fish has been no less desirable for humans than the ability to fly like a bird. What the body given by nature cannot do was helped by the machines we built. From fragile boats of antiquity, mankind has grown to the creation of huge cities on the water. The largest of them, even a modern man accustomed to the achievements of progress, amaze with a combination of power and beauty.
The largest ships in the world: selection criteria
To name the most, the largest ship, there are at least two criteria: dimensions (length and width) and displacement (in fact, this is the volume of the underwater part of the ship).
In addition, in order to determine the winner in individual nominations, his ability to fulfill his main task is of decisive importance. For a passenger ship, this is the number of passengers it can take on board and the number of cabins, for a dry cargo ship or tanker - the weight of the transported cargo, for a container ship - the number of containers.
Sailboats and steamers
Before moving on to today's record holders, let's remember their predecessors, those who roamed the seas driven by the power of wind and steam.
The largest sailing ship ever descended from the stocks is the French barque France II. The vessel had a displacement of almost 11 tons and a length of 146 meters. For only ten years - from 1912 to 1922 - they carried out regular cargo transportation, until the sailing ship stranded off the coast of New Caledonia was abandoned by the owners. The ship was finally destroyed in 1944 during a bombing raid.
The greatest steamer in history is the Great Eastern, launched in 1857. Its length is 211 meters, and its displacement is 22.5 thousand tons. The ship was propelled by two wheels and one propeller, but could sail under sail. The main purpose of the vessel is Passenger Transportation, on board the Great Eastern could take up to 4,000 people. Unfortunately, the age of coal and steam was not kind to such large-scale projects - the operation of the Great Eastern turned out to be unprofitable and was terminated for economic reasons.
Absolute record holder
For many years the winner in the nomination "The largest ships in the world" was the tanker Knock nevis... Erected in 1976 in Japan, it has changed its name many times and underwent a major overhaul. The champion acquired the final dimensions in 1981 (under the name Seawise Giant): 458.5 meters in length, 68 in width with a displacement of 565 thousand tons.
A huge tanker is a piece of equipment that is not so easy to find a use. Due to its size, the ship had a low speed, a huge (more than 10 kilometers!) Stopping distance, could not pass through strategic shipping straits and could only moor in several ports around the world.
See the photo of yourself big ship can be on any site dedicated to the history of shipbuilding, but this giant has recently belonged to the past, just like sailboats and steamers. In 2010, the ship, which had not been used for six years, was cut into scrap metal.
Workers-giants
Like the Seawise Giant, other largest ships are also cargo ships: tankers, bulk carriers, container ships.
The longest ship currently in use (397 meters) is the Emma Maersk container ship. According to various sources, it is not possible to lift its board from 11 to 14 thousand standard containers. Since the designers were tasked with ensuring the passage of the Emma Maersk through the Suez and Panama Canals, the width and draft of the ship were set fairly moderate. Therefore, the displacement of such a giant is "only" 157 thousand tons.
And the largest ships in the world in terms of displacement are four Hellespont supertankers. Although the length of each of them is 17 meters less than that of the leader among container ships, the displacement is one and a half times greater - 234 thousand tons.
The ore carriers of the Brazilian company Vale are not too inferior to them. The largest of them - Vale Sohar - has a displacement of about 200 thousand tons and a length of 360 meters. The maximum cargo that this giant is able to carry is 400 thousand tons.
Cruise beauties
Although passenger ships are not as big as cargo ships, they make an indelible impression. A cruise ship is not a means of transportation, but a luxury getaway. The large size of the ship here serves not so much to accommodate as many passengers as possible, but to create all imaginable comfort that would satisfy the most demanding audience.
The largest passenger ships are many times larger than the once incredible Titanic. Allure of twin liner pair the seas and Oasis in the Seas are unmatched in size. 362 meters in length and 225 thousand tons of displacement - figures comparable to the largest cargo ships. Each of the liners can comfortably accommodate 6400 passengers. In addition, 2,100 personnel are on board (this is against several dozen sailors serving tankers and bulk carriers).
Allure of the Seas or Oasis in the Seas offers shops, casinos, restaurants, bars, nightclubs, fitness center, volleyball and basketball courts, sauna and swimming pools. There is even a park with real trees and grass.
Sea storm
The largest warships cannot be ignored. These are now aircraft carriers. And this is understandable: no matter how aeronautical engineers work to reduce the take-off mileage of aircraft, the "winged sailors" still need a rather big track to start.
In the period before World War II, the most powerful naval powers built especially large warships - battleships. The largest of these is the flagship of the Japanese fleet, the Yamato. 263 meters long, 40 wide, crew of 2500 sailors - the battleship seemed just invulnerable. However, the ship launched in 1940 was sunk shortly before Japan's surrender.
The development of anti-submarine weapons made such ships too convenient targets. The ships laid down in those years were still in service (for example, the American battleships of the Iowa project), but the main stake in post-war period was made for aircraft carriers.
The largest naval ship of all time was the USS Enterprise. It is 342 meters long and 78 meters wide. The ship carried up to 90 aircraft(aircraft and helicopters), which served 1800 people. The total number of the crew is 3000 sailors. After serving more than half a century, the Enterprise was retired from the United States Navy in 2012. Now its place was taken by aircraft carriers of the Nimitz class, slightly inferior in size to their predecessor - the length of the largest modern aircraft-carrying ships is 333 meters.
The largest ships in Russia
Although Russian-made ships do not occupy the top positions in the ratings of the largest ships in the world, some models are unmatched in their categories.
Thus, the flagship of the Russian Northern Fleet, the nuclear-powered missile cruiser Peter the Great, is the world's largest non-aircraft-carrying combat strike ship. Cruiser dimensions: 251 meters - length, 28 meters - width, displacement - 28 thousand tons. The main task: counteraction to enemy aircraft carrying formations.
Another record holder, the Akula submarine (Project 941), is also in the service of the Russian Navy. The length of the boat is 173 meters, the underwater displacement is 48 thousand tons, the crew is 160 people. The submarine is equipped with a nuclear reactor and diesel power plants. The main weapons are ICBMs with nuclear warheads.
Of the civilian ships, mention should be made of the largest nuclear-powered icebreaker "50 Let Pobedy", which left the stocks in 1993. Perhaps, knowing what the largest ships in the world are, its 160 meters in length will seem frivolous, but still this ship has no equal in its class.
The giant at the shipyard
In addition to the ships themselves, modern shipbuilders are engaged in the development of other sea giants - floating platforms. The striking structures can be used for a variety of purposes, from mining to launching spacecraft.
Right now, at the shipyards of South Korean Samsung Heavy Industries, the floating platform Prelude is being completed, which the customer, Royal Dutch Shell, plans to use for the production, liquefaction and transportation of natural gas. In 2013, the Prelude hull was launched. Its dimensions are more impressive than the largest ships in the world can boast. A photo of the unfinished giant has become available to everyone interested.
The length of the vessel is 488 meters, width - 78 meters, displacement - 600 thousand tons. It is assumed that the platform will be moved with the help of tugs. Only the absence of its own undercarriage does not allow the Prelude to be called a champion among giant ships. The platform is still not a ship.
The largest and most famous for the tragic events passenger ship in the world is Titanic... Everyone knows the unfortunate history of this greatest achievement of the 20th century. The ship was launched in 1911. On its maiden voyage, it collided with an iceberg in the Atlantic Ocean and sank. , which weighed 163 thousand tons, took with it about one and a half thousand lives to the bottom. Only 700 people were saved, they were picked up by a passing steamer.
After the incident with the Titanic, the level of safety on all ships has increased. All engineers and designers involved in the construction of passenger ships began to prioritize the conditions for ensuring the safety of human lives. As you know, one of the reasons for the mass death of people was the lack of a sufficient number of spare boats on the ship.
The best ships of the 21st century: top 5
The title "The largest passenger ship in the world" is transferred from one ship to another every year - the rating is constantly changing. Ship models are constantly being improved, new requirements are being established at the local and international level, high technologies are being created. In this regard, it is possible that new names of sea giants will be added to the list in the near future.
They are called "cities of the sea" with many attractions and all kinds of amenities for passengers. Until today, the Titanic was considered a legendary, large-scale passenger liner. But now the biggest a cruise ship in the world of 2016 - it is Harmony of the seas ("Harmony of the seas"). 70 cubic meters high, 362 meters long. It even broke the record for the longest RCI ship built in 2010, Allure of the seas ("The Charm of the Seas"). The new giant is only 2 cm larger than the previous one.
The world's largest cruise ship: features
The vessel with a displacement of 225.282 thousand / ton is equipped with 16 decks, 2704 cabins, which can accommodate 5.4 thousand passengers. Among its class, it is environmentally friendly. Produces 20 percent less hydrocarbon emissions into the air. This is achieved through the use of new technologies.
Construction lasted 2.5 years. More than $ 1.5 billion spent. The area is larger than two football fields. The total power of six diesel units is 132 thousand / horsepower, thanks to engine motor traction, it develops revolutions of over 22 knots. This is the third giant in the "World's Largest Cruise Ship" class in 2016.
In order for passengers to rest for a long time, there are many entertainments on the ship, and some travelers sometimes do not have time to try everything during their stay. Here you can find leisure activities for every taste. Thrill-seekers will love the dizzying descents from water slides, which are located at a height of 10 deck floors. At guests' disposal: swimming pools, casinos, fiery parties, sports grounds, jazz clubs.
Harmony of the Seas is divided into six thematic zones:
- Central Park is located in the heart of the ship. A botanical garden has been created in the park. Guests have every chance to enjoy walks in the park for a long time.
- Promenade (Boardwalk), Pedestrian area with cafes and bars. This sector organizes breakfasts and lunches for guests.
- Sports area with a swimming pool. No steamer includes so many water options. In addition to the many swimming pools, there are sports grounds for tennis, golf, etc.
- Vitality at Sea spa area, fitness center. This part of the infrastructure is designed for complete relaxation and recreation of travelers. Allocated special areas with saunas, baths, Spa for children.
- Amusement Park (Entertainment Place). Includes casinos, clubs, skating rink, theater.
- Children's play area (Youth Zone). Reminds me of Disneyland.
The largest cruise ship has 4 main categories of cabins:
- Suites. They differ from other rooms not only by their advantageous location, but by the large size of the living area.
- Rooms with balconies. Perfect for fresh air lovers
- Cabins with window that allow you to enjoy the views of the port calls.
- Simple comfortable rooms.
During the summer period, the liner carried out seven-day trips around Mediterranean Sea, and will cross the Atlantic Ocean in the fall.
How much is the pleasure of riding such a miracle of water engineering? Really inexpensive. Quite for a reasonable amount, which will be equal to a 1-day vacation in Thailand, but if you do not order a luxury apartment, but settle in standard rooms... Nowadays, sea trips around the world are not only for the elite. Such entertainment is available to the middle class. So, all that remains is to earn money for such a voyage, stock up on a great mood and go ahead - buy a tour on the largest cruise ship in the world in 2016!
The largest cruise ship: video
Since ancient times, people have traveled the seas, gradually improving their ships. Modern shipbuilding is highly developed, and the range of ships has become unusually diverse. But the TOP of the largest ships in the world always attracts special attention, which will be discussed below.
1. Seawise Giant (Knock Nevis)
Deadweight - 564,700 tons.
... Length - 458.5 m.
... Built in 1979.
... Last country of registration: Sierra Leone. Disassembled for scrap.
The largest ship in the world until 2010 was the supertanker "Knock Nevis", built in 1975 in the Japanese city of Yokosuka. Before changing several names, he had a simple number 1016. But the cyclopean dimensions actually ruined him - the tanker could not pass either the Panama or Suez Canals, even in the English Channel it would run aground, so move from ocean to ocean could only take a roundabout way.
During the 1988 Iran-Iraq war, it was hit by an Iraqi missile and seriously damaged. As a result, the supertanker sank in Persian Gulf not far from the coast. After the end of the conflict, it was lifted from the bottom and towed to Singapore, where it was restored in 1991, giving it a new "optimistic" name "Happy Giant". But as a tanker, no one needed it, so it began to serve as a floating oil storage. Finally, in 2009, the "lucky man" was sent on his last journey to the Indian shores, where the next year he was cut into scrap metal.
Many people would love to ride on cable car to experience all the extraordinary sensations caused by a similar way of moving ...
2. Pierre Guillaumat
Deadweight - 555,000 tons.
... Length - 414.2 m.
... Built in 1977.
... Last country of registration: France. Cut into scrap metal.
In the family of twin ships of the Batillus series, this supertanker is the largest in terms of deadweight. It was built in French shipyards, worked for nothing - 5 years, after which it was ruthlessly sent in 1983 to South Korea, where it turned into scrap metal. The rest of his brothers from the same series shared his fate. The reasons for such an inglorious death in all cases were the same problems with the impossibility of passing through the Suez and Panama Canals.
3. Esso Atlantic
Deadweight - 516 900 t.
... Length - 406.5 m.
... Built in 1977.
... Last country of registration: Liberia. Cut into scrap metal.
At one time, this oil supertanker was also a deadweight champion. It was built in Japan, and made its first commercial route from African Liberia, where the company-owner "Esso Tankers" registered it under the Liberian flag. Most often, the tanker transported oil from the Middle East to Europe. But in 2002, the end came to him - in Pakistan he was cut into scrap metal. He had practically a twin ship "Esso Pacific", but despite the "Pacific" name, it was smaller than the "Atlantic brother".
4. Emma Maersk
Deadweight - 156 900 t.
... Length - 397 m.
... Year of construction - 2006.
... Last country of registration: Denmark. It is still in operation.
This is the first vessel of eight identical E-class container ships built by the Danish holding Moller-Maersk Group. At the time of her maiden voyage in 2006, she was the world's largest sailing vessel. Emma Maersk transports a variety of goods between Asia and America, following the Suez Canal and the Strait of Gibraltar.
This ship does not have a very successful history - when its construction was already completed, on upper deck a fire broke out, which seriously damaged the brand new ship. Repair was required, which was quickly done. In 2013, there was a new attack - right in the middle of the Suez Canal, one of the power plants of the bulk carrier broke down, as a result of which it lost control. Fortunately, both the ship and the canal remained intact.
Europeans do not favor the giant for using fuel rich in sulfur. Like many giant ships, Emma does not fit into the Panama Canal, so Pacific Ocean it is closed for her (not to sail around Cape Horn there!).
5. TI Class
Deadweight - 441 600 t.
... Length - 380 m.
... Year of construction - 2003.
... Last country of registration: Belgium. It is still in operation.
This double-hulled vessel once had the largest deadweight and gross tonnage. In total, four identical vessels were built: two TI Africa and TI Oceania under the Marshall Islands flag, TI Europe under the Belgian flag and TI Asia. But in 2010, from "Asia" and "Africa" they made floating platform terminals for the storage and shipment of petroleum products, since then they have been working on a dock near one of the Qatari offshore oil fields.
The modern development of armored forces is aimed at increasing the compactness and maneuverability of vehicles, that is, at making them lighter. When creating them on the ne ...
6. Vale Sohar
Deadweight - 400 300 t.
... Length - 362 m.
... Year of construction - 2012.
... Last country of registration: Marshall Islands. It is still in operation.
This vessel is one of the largest dry cargo vessels and is owned by the mining company Vale from Brazil. It transports Brazilian ore to the United States. In total, 40 huge dry cargo vessels run along this route, the deadweight of which is within the limits of 380-400 thousand tons. Sohar is the largest ship among them.
7. Allure of the Seas
Deadweight - 19 750 t.
... Length - 362 m.
... Year of construction - 2008.
... Last country of registration: Bahamas... It is still in operation.
This is a ship of the class cruise ships"Oasis", consisting of two twins (the second "Oasis in the Seas"), occupying a leading position for its type of vessel in the world. They say that "Allure" is still 5 cm longer than "Oasis", which is why it is presented here. This giant is capable of taking on board 6296 passengers and 2384 crew members. There are countless types of entertainment on board, this floating city has a golf course and ice rink, a bunch of bars and shops, there is even a park with exotic plants.
8. Queen Mary II
Deadweight - 19,200 tons.
... Length - 345 m.
... Year of construction - 2002.
... Last country of registration: Bermuda... It is still in operation.
This handsome transatlantic cruise ship is one of the largest in the world. passenger liners... It is capable of transporting from the Old to New World or back 2620 passengers. It was designed and built french company"Chantiers del" Atlantique "It has a theater, casino, 15 restaurants and the only planetarium on the ships.
To conquer nature, man creates megamachines - the most incredible technology in the world, the possibilities and sizes of which are amazing. Yes ...
9. Mozah
Deadweight - 128,900 tons
... Length - 345 m.
... Year of construction - 2007.
... Last country of registration: Qatar. It is still in operation.
This vessel opens a new family of tankers of the Q-Max series, which specialize in the transport of liquefied natural gas from fields off the coast of Qatar. It was designed and built in South Korea... A total of 14 tankers from this series are currently in operation.
10. USS Enterprise (CVN-65)
Length - 342 m.
... The year of construction is 1960.
... Last country of registration: USA. The aircraft carrier has been decommissioned.
This is the largest American nuclear attack aircraft carrier, the first to operate a nuclear power point... He began acting in 1961. A series of six similar hulks was planned, but only the Enterprise was built. Its cost resulted in an incredible 451 million of those more dollars, so such expenses were not affordable even for the bottomless budget of the United States. In length, it is the largest warship in the world. Having refueled once with nuclear fuel, the aircraft carrier acquired autonomy for 13 years of active service and could travel a million nautical miles during this time. In February 2017, the Enterprise was sent on an honorary retirement - for the US Navy, this was the first seeing-off of a nuclear aircraft carrier.
