Understanding Ship Prefixes: Meaning, Types & Importance
Ships have been an integral part of human civilization for centuries, used for trade, travel, and warfare. Have you ever noticed that ships have certain abbreviations before their names? These are called ship prefixes, and they tell us important details about the vessel.
In this article, we will explore:
- What are ship prefixes?
- What do ship prefixes indicate?
- Commonly used ship prefixes worldwide
- Ship prefixes for retired vessels
Let’s dive in!
What are Ship Prefixes?
A ship prefix is a short combination of letters placed before the name of a ship. These abbreviations help identify the ship’s type, function, propulsion method, or ownership.
In modern times, warships of a nation follow a uniform prefix, while civilian and commercial ships use different prefixes based on their purpose.
Why Are Ship Prefixes Used?
Ship prefixes help in quickly understanding a ship’s role and specifications. They indicate:
- Mode of propulsion (e.g., SS – Steam Ship, MV – Motor Vessel)
- Purpose of the vessel (e.g., RMS – Royal Mail Ship, RV – Research Vessel)
- Ownership or Nationality (e.g., INS – Indian Naval Ship, USS – United States Ship)
These prefixes are widely used for communication and identification purposes but are not mandatory for all vessels.
Commonly Used Ship Prefixes & Their Meanings
Here are some important ship prefixes used across the world:
1. General Merchant & Civilian Ship Prefixes
| Prefix | Meaning |
|---|---|
| MT | Motor Tanker |
| MV/MS | Motor Vessel / Motor Ship |
| LB | Lifeboat |
| NS | Nuclear Ship |
| RV | Research Vessel |
| LPG/C | Liquefied Petroleum Gas Carrier |
| LNG/C | Liquefied Natural Gas Carrier |
| PSV | Platform Supply Vessel |
| MY | Motor Yacht |
| AHT | Anchor Handling Tug |
| CS | Cable Ship |
| DSV | Diving Support Vessel |
| FV | Fishing Vessel |
| GTS | Gas Turbine Ship |
| RMS | Royal Mail Ship |
| TS | Training Ship |
| SV | Sailing Vessel |
2. Ship Prefixes for Retired Ships
When a ship is retired or decommissioned, an ‘ex-’ is added before its name. This helps differentiate it from active ships with the same name. For example:
- USS Constellation (CV-64) became ex-Constellation after retirement in 2003.
Detailed List of Ship Prefixes
Each country and industry uses different ship prefixes. Here is an extended list of commonly used ones:
Merchant & Civilian Ships
| Prefix | Meaning |
|---|---|
| AE | Ammunition Ship |
| AHTS | Anchor Handling Tug Supply Vessel |
| AO | United States Navy Oiler |
| AOG | Gasoline Tanker |
| AOR | Auxiliary Replenishment Oiler |
| ATB | Articulated Tug Barge |
| CRV | Coastal Research Vessel |
| CS | Container Ship / Cable Ship |
| DB | Derrick Barge |
| DLB | Derrick Lay Barge |
| DSV | Diving Support Vessel |
| FPSO | Floating Production Storage & Offloading Vessel |
| FPV | Fishery Protection Vessel |
| FT | Factory Stern Trawler |
| FV | Fishing Vessel |
| HLV | Heavy Lift Vessel |
| HSC | High-Speed Craft |
| ITB | Integrated Tug Barge |
| LB | Liftboat |
| MFV | Motor Fishing Vessel |
| MSV | Multipurpose Support Vessel |
| NS | Nuclear Ship |
| OSV | Offshore Supply Vessel |
| PSV | Platform Supply Vessel |
| RMS | Royal Mail Ship |
| RRS | Royal Research Ship |
| RV | Research Vessel |
| SS | Steam Ship |
| SSCV | Semi-Submersible Crane Vessel |
| ST | Steam Tug |
| SV | Sailing Vessel |
| TB | Tug Boat |
| TEV | Turbine Electric Vessel |
| TSS | Twin-Screw Steamship |
| TV | Training Vessel |
| ULCC | Ultra Large Crude Carrier |
| VLCC | Very Large Crude Carrier |
| YT | Yard Tug |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What are ship prefixes?
Ship prefixes are abbreviations placed before a ship’s name to indicate its purpose, propulsion method, or ownership.
2. What do ship prefixes tell us?
They indicate whether a ship is steam-powered, motor-driven, or used for specific purposes like research, mail delivery, or military operations.
3. Are ship prefixes mandatory?
No, they are not compulsory. Some countries and naval forces, like the Imperial Japanese Navy and Third Reich’s Kriegsmarine, did not use ship prefixes.
Conclusion
Ship prefixes have been in use for centuries and continue to be relevant today. While they are not mandatory, they provide valuable information about a vessel. Whether it’s a massive cargo ship, a luxurious yacht, or a naval warship, prefixes help categorize and identify ships with ease.
So, the next time you see a ship’s name, look at the prefix and guess its function!
Do you have any questions about ship prefixes? Let us know in the comments!
