A multi-purpose vessel (MPV) is a seagoing ship that is built for the carriage of a wide range of cargoes.
[3] Bigger multi-purpose vessels are able to carry different kinds of loading on the same voyage.
Because of their varying operating conditions, these ships have complex designs that are difficult to build.
These cargoes can be rolled or lifted on board so this requires different types of loading gear, as well.
According to DNV, there are some 15,000 MPVS in existence and they range in size from small coastal vessels up to large ships with a heavy lift capability.