NAUPAR explains: Different types of ship

Lelystad, 22 July 2015 – NAUPAR has a wide range of vessels with different features and characteristics. All of these vessels are sub-divided into certain ship types. In this blog we will provide information on a number of different types of NAUPAR vessel.

Clippers: the number one NAUPAR ship type

Clippers – including our own Ambiance, Antoinette and Pouwel Jonas – are attractive inland waterways vessels that were built between 1890 and 1925. The primary features of a clipper are its fast sailing features – a pointed bow, a flat bottom and an overhanging stern. It was due to these fast sailing features that clippers used to be employed regularly to transport food or other goods that could spoil quickly. These clippers are currently used in the charter sector. NAUPAR has no fewer than 34 clippers, and this means that this type is in a well-earned first place.

"Tjalken", also known as "flat bottoms"

Tjalken are the somewhat squarer ships with a rounded bow and stern. They were originally built from wood, but construction in iron and steel started at the end of the previous century. Tjalken have a shallow draft and a large freight capacity, and the flat bottom means that they have been given the nickname "flat bottoms". Our Res Nova, Spes Mea and Aagtje are just a selection from our range of tjalken.

Fishing vessels: "Schokkers"

Schokkers were originally fishing vessels that sailed in coastal waters. These round bottoms are easy to recognise due to their enormous prow. The schokkers in the NAUPAR fleet are the last remaining ships of this type. NAUPAR has two schokkers: the MD3 and the Klundert 26.

Fast barques

The golden era of sail took place in the second half of the 19th century. At that time, barques were regarded as the work horses of the intercontinental merchant fleet. A barque is an extremely fast type of ship that can sail into the wind exceptionally well. An example of a NAUPAR barque is the magnificent Stedemaeght.