Introduction
Most people think that if a cargo hold on a ship is rated at X dtons, then that’s how much cargo they can carry. But that is rarely the case. To get even close requires unrealistically high packing efficiencies.
A relatively new system, the Common Imperial Transportation (CIT) network, is not yet universally implemented across the Imperium.
Smaller cargos may or may not be palletised (mounted on a transport pallet) and if not then they are unlikely to stack. In this situation, it is better to look at how much cargo hold floor space is ‘consumed’ by a particular lot or consignment.
Pallets are flat loading plates that can be picked up by fork-lift trucks. Just about any object can be loaded on it provided it does not overhang: a small engine, a stack of boxed goods, etc. The cargo is then wrapped in plastic, and a metal strap secures it. A top cap may be added (if the load has an even top) to allow stacking.
Dimensions | |
---|---|
Size | 1.00L x 1.25W x 0.16H |
Stack | up to 2.15H |
Empty weight | 20 Kg |
Capacity | 2.6 klitres, 1 tonne |
Bulk freight is frequently transported in standard cargo containers. A standard cargo container ‘consumes’ 4 dtons of cargo hold (assuming a standard height ceiling) yet contains at most 2.9 dtons of actual cargo. Further, standard cargo containers have weight limits, so if the cargo has a very high density, then the container will not be fully loaded. Additionally, if the cargo is packed in cartons and the internal dimensions of the cargo container are not exact multiples of the carton size, then there will be unused space.
General Purpose
Suitable for the widest varieties of cargo, the General Purpose (dry) container is fully enclosed and weatherproof, having rigid walls, roof and floor, with one end equipped with doors.
Dimensions | |
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Exterior Size | 6.00L x 3.00W x 2.50H |
Interior Size | 5.84L x 2.91W x 2.29H |
Door | 2.91W x 2.19H |
Empty weight | 2.760 tonnes |
Capacity | 39 klitres, 32.300 tonnes |
Liquids
Suitable for most liquid and gas cargos, the Liquids container features a weatherproof cylindrical tank mounted inside an open frame.
Dimensions | |
---|---|
Exterior Size | 6.00L x 3.00W x 2.50H |
Empty weight | 3.400 tonnes |
Capacity | 24 klitres, 32.600 tonnes |
Refrigerated
Typically used for fresh foodstuffs, the Refrigerated container can maintain an internal temperature of -18°C (assuming external environment is normal ambient temperature) for 90 days. It is weatherproof, having rigid walls, roof and floor, with one end equipped with doors.
Dimensions | |
---|---|
Exterior Size | 6.00L x 3.00W x 2.50H |
Interior Size | 5.44L x 2.86W x 2.19H |
Door | 2.00W x 2.00H |
Empty weight | 3.040 tonnes |
Capacity | 34 klitres, 27.440 tonnes |