Difference between revisions of "Tramp Vessel"

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* A-class vessels are most associated with [[free trader]]s, [[freelancer]]s, and [[tramp liner]]s.
 
* A-class vessels are most associated with [[free trader]]s, [[freelancer]]s, and [[tramp liner]]s.
 
* Tramps typically focus on opportunities within just a few clusters or traces before small scale trade dries up or they get in trouble with the law and are forced to run.
 
* Tramps typically focus on opportunities within just a few clusters or traces before small scale trade dries up or they get in trouble with the law and are forced to run.
* A relatively high number of tramps reject legal postal union X-mail runs in favor of smuggling, black markets, and illicit trade. Some authorities rigorously inspect all tramp vessls as often as possible.  
+
* A relatively high number of tramps reject legal [[postal union]] [[X-mail]] runs in favor of [[smuggling]], [[black market]]s, and illicit trade. Some authorities rigorously inspect all tramp vessels as often as possible.  
 
* The [[Supraclass]] designation is also known as [[Ship Mission]], [[Ship Mission Code]], Mission, or [[Ship Hull Designation]].  
 
* The [[Supraclass]] designation is also known as [[Ship Mission]], [[Ship Mission Code]], Mission, or [[Ship Hull Designation]].  
 
* It is a [[starship]] [[supraclass]].
 
* It is a [[starship]] [[supraclass]].
 
[[File: Technical Data.jpg|right]]
 
[[File: Technical Data.jpg|right]]
 
+
 
=== Library Data Referral Tree ===
 
=== Library Data Referral Tree ===
 
Please refer to the following [[AAB]] [[Library Data]] for more information: <br>
 
Please refer to the following [[AAB]] [[Library Data]] for more information: <br>
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=== Image Repository ===
 
=== Image Repository ===
 +
'''[[Free Trader|Type A1 Free Trader / Free Lancer]]:'''
 
# A top down [[schematic]] of a [[Beowulf class Free Trader|''Beowulf'']] with a typical [[shuttle]].  <br> [[File: Free-Trader-T5-Core-Rules-Pg-358 25-July-2018a.jpg]]
 
# A top down [[schematic]] of a [[Beowulf class Free Trader|''Beowulf'']] with a typical [[shuttle]].  <br> [[File: Free-Trader-T5-Core-Rules-Pg-358 25-July-2018a.jpg]]
# An early model [[Beowulf class Free Trader|''Beowulf'']] under [[spaceflight]]. <br> [[File: Free-Trader-WH-Keith-MT-Imp-Encyclo-Pg-36 03-July-2018a.jpg]]
+
# A simple crew[[sophont]] sketch of a [[tail-sitter]] [[Tequila class Free Trader]]. <br> [[File: Tequila-class-Subsidized Trader-THUMB-CT-01b-Leo-Knight 17-Aug-2019c.jpg]]
 +
# The [[flattened spheroid]] [[Tachyon class Light Trader|''Tachyon'' class Light Trader]], a rarely encountered design. <br> [[File:J-1 100dT Tachyon class Light Trader (updated).jpg|300px]]
 +
# An image of a variant [[Type A class Free Trader]]. <br> [[File: Type A Free Trader Alt.png|300px]]
 +
# An early model [[Beowulf class Free Trader|''Beowulf'']] under [[spaceflight]]. <br> [[File: Free-Trader-WH-Keith-MT-Imp-Encyclo-Pg-36 03-July-2018a.jpg|300px]]
 +
 
 +
'''[[Far Trader|Type A2 Far Trader]]:'''
 +
# A contemporary trade vessel, a [[Jayhawk class Far Trader]], which is also known as a [[Marava II class Far Trader]]. <br> [[File: Far-Trader-T5-Core-Rules-Pg-358 25-July-2018a.jpg]]
 +
# The venerable [[Wulf class Free Trader|''Wulf'' class Free Trader]]. <br> [[File:J2 200dT Trader.jpg|400px]]
 
# The A1 is externally identical to the [[Garu class Far Trader|Early model A2, a Garu]]. <br> [[File: Far-Trader-WH-Keith-MT-Imp-Encyclo-Pg-81 03-July-2018a.jpg|300px]]
 
# The A1 is externally identical to the [[Garu class Far Trader|Early model A2, a Garu]]. <br> [[File: Far-Trader-WH-Keith-MT-Imp-Encyclo-Pg-81 03-July-2018a.jpg|300px]]
# The venerable [[Wulf class Free Trader|''Wulf'' class Free Trader]]. <br> [[File:J2 200dT Trader.jpg|400px]]
 
# The [[spheroid]] [[Tachyon class Light Trader|''Tachyon'' class Light Trader]], a rarely encountered design. <br> [[File:J-1 100dT Tachyon class Light Trader (updated).jpg|400px]]
 
 
# A [[Salamander class Far Trader|''Salamander-class'']] coming into a [[starport]] to trade. <br> [[File: Salamander-class-Far-Trader-D20 30-May-2019a.jpg|400px]]
 
# A [[Salamander class Far Trader|''Salamander-class'']] coming into a [[starport]] to trade. <br> [[File: Salamander-class-Far-Trader-D20 30-May-2019a.jpg|400px]]
 +
# A very [[merchant prince]]-customized [[Jayhawk class Far Trader]]. <br> [[File: Jayhawk-class-Pink-Image-Deitrick-Path-of-Tears-Cover 12-Aguust-2019b.jpg]]
 +
 +
'''[[Deep Trader|Type A3 Deep Trader / Fast Trader]]:'''
 +
# [[TBD]]
 +
 +
'''[[Armored Trader|Type AA Armored Trader / Frontier Trader]]:'''
 +
# A [[Star class Armored Merchant]] on a trade mission to a potentially hostile [[rich world]]. <br> [[file: Star-Class-CT-RESIZE-High-Passage-3-WH-Keith-FASA-Cover 23-Oct-2019b.jpg|400px]]
 +
 +
'''[[Heavy Trader|Type AH Heavy Trader]]:'''
 +
# A [[Type TJ class Merchant]]. The vessel could actually be a misidentified [[Type TI class Merchant]]: The two classes of vessel are externally virtually identical. <br> [[File:Type-TJ-W-H-Keith CT-The-Traveller-Adventure 28-Sept-2019.png|400px]]
 +
 +
'''[[Light Trader|Type AL Light Trader]]:'''
 +
# [[TBD]]
 +
 +
'''[[Medium Trader|Type AM Medium Trader]]:'''
 +
# [[TBD]]
  
 
=== Spectrum of Civil Shipping in Charted Space ===
 
=== Spectrum of Civil Shipping in Charted Space ===
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! Archetype
 
! Archetype
 
! Type Code
 
! Type Code
 +
|-
 +
| [[Armed Cargo Ship]]
 +
| (AA)
 
|-
 
|-
 
| [[Armed Junker]]  
 
| [[Armed Junker]]  
Line 161: Line 186:
 
| A (Namesake)
 
| A (Namesake)
 
| [[Beowulf class Free Trader]]
 
| [[Beowulf class Free Trader]]
| None
+
| Tramp Vessels are the ships of high adventure and high risk. They maximize the concept of buying low and selling high, often skirting or bypassing the limitations of local system legalities and regulations. They almost never follow set patterns or prearranged schedules... for long.
 
* A = tr'''A'''mp vessel
 
* A = tr'''A'''mp vessel
 
|-
 
|-
| [[Free Trader]] / [[Tramp Liner]]
+
| [[Free Trader]] / [[Free Lancer]]
 
| A1  
 
| A1  
 
| [[Alexandria class Free Trader]]  
 
| [[Alexandria class Free Trader]]  
| (J-1): They are typically light, free-spirited J-1 [[trader craft]], built to speculate on primary [[main]]s.
+
| (J-1): They are typically light, free-spirited J-1 [[trader craft]], built to speculate on primary [[main]]s. Incredibly numerous and common craft speculating almost everywhere throughout [[Charted Space]].
* Incredibly numerous and common craft speculating almost everywhere throughout [[Charted Space]].
+
* A = tr'''A'''mp vessel
 
* A-1 = Parsec range distance of jump drive.
 
* A-1 = Parsec range distance of jump drive.
 
|-
 
|-
Line 174: Line 199:
 
| A2
 
| A2
 
| [[Empress Marava class Far Trader]]
 
| [[Empress Marava class Far Trader]]
| (J-2): They are typically a speculative trader with a J-2 [[drive]] built to travel off primary [[main]]s.
+
| (J-2): They are typically a speculative trader with a J-2 [[drive]] built to travel off primary [[main]]s. Hardy, common craft going where [[free trader]]s can't...
* Hardy, common craft going where [[free trader]]s can't...
+
* A = tr'''A'''mp vessel
 
* A-2 = Parsec range distance of jump drive.
 
* A-2 = Parsec range distance of jump drive.
 
|-
 
|-
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| A3
 
| A3
 
| [[Fat Cat class Far Trader]]
 
| [[Fat Cat class Far Trader]]
| (J-3+): They are typically a ranged trader with a J-3 or greater jump-range for extended operations.
+
| (J-3+): They are typically a ranged trader with a J-3 or greater jump-range for extended operations. Long or Deep Traders either employ a more powerful jump drive with greater range (J-3+), or a lesser jump drive (J-2+) with fuel for multiple jumps. Those employing a faster jump drive which can reach their destination in a single jump are often known as a ''Fast Trader''. Uncommon and built to serve isolated [[system]]s in [[rift zone]]s or [[Stellar Density|low star density area]]s.
* Long or Deep Traders either employ a more powerful jump drive with greater range (J-3+), or a lesser jump drive (J-2+) with fuel for multiple jumps.
+
* A = tr'''A'''mp vessel
* Those employing a faster jump drive which can reach their destination in a single jump are often known as a ''Fast Trader''.
 
* Uncommon and built to serve isolated [[system]]s in [[rift zone]]s or [[Stellar Density|low star density area]]s.  
 
 
* A-3 = Parsec range distance of jump drive.
 
* A-3 = Parsec range distance of jump drive.
 
|-
 
|-
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| AA
 
| AA
 
| [[Star class Armored Merchant]]
 
| [[Star class Armored Merchant]]
| (Armed & Armored): They typically employ an [[armor]]ed [[hull]] and some defensive armament for dangerous trade in seedy, potentially hostile regions such as an [[Imperial Fringe]].
+
| (Armed & Armored): They typically employ an [[armor]]ed [[hull]] and some defensive armament for dangerous trade in seedy, potentially hostile regions such as an [[Imperial Fringe]]. Uncommon, yet hardy and greatly valued where [[pirate]]s and strangers dwell...
* Uncommon, yet hardy and greatly valued where [[pirate]]s and strangers dwell...
+
* A = tr'''A'''mp vessel
 
* A = Armored, Armed, [[etc.]]
 
* A = Armored, Armed, [[etc.]]
 
* Those employing a faster maneuver drive are also known as a ''Fast Trader''.
 
* Those employing a faster maneuver drive are also known as a ''Fast Trader''.
 +
|-
 +
| [[Heavy Trader]]
 +
| AH
 +
| [[Leviathan class Merchant Cruiser]]
 +
| (1,500 to 2,499 tons): ''Heavy Trader''s push the limits of what an A-class vessel can do... They have higher operating costs and larger crews than smaller vessels and thus take larger risks when speculating along unknown [[trade route]]s. Almost all carry [[mail vault]]s and have at least a few [[stateroom]]s for impromptu travellers able to afford the passage fees. They tend to better excel at subsidized work and most take a combination of tramp and scheduled workloads.
 +
* A = tr'''A'''mp vessel
 +
* H = Heavy
 
|-
 
|-
 
| [[Light Trader]]
 
| [[Light Trader]]
 
| AL
 
| AL
 
| [[Aoa'iw class Light Trader]]
 
| [[Aoa'iw class Light Trader]]
| (100 to 999 tons): ''Light Trader''s excel at light scheduled or unscheduled speculative trade.  
+
| (100 to 999 tons): ''Light Trader''s excel at light scheduled or unscheduled speculative trade. They are light and nimble with low operating costs and small crews.   
* They are light and nimble with low operating costs and small crews.   
+
* A = tr'''A'''mp vessel
 
* L = Light
 
* L = Light
|-
 
| [[Heavy Trader]]
 
| AH
 
| [[Leviathan class Merchant Cruiser]]
 
| (1,500 to 2,499 tons): ''Heavy Trader''s push the limits of what an A-class vessel can do... They have higher operating costs and larger crews than smaller vessels and thus take larger risks when speculating along unknown [[trade route]]s. Almost all carry [[mail vault]]s and have at least a few [[stateroom]]s for impromptu travellers able to afford the passage fees.
 
* They tend to better excel at subsidized work and most take a combination of tramp and scheduled workloads.
 
* H = Heavy
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
| [[Medium Trader]]
 
| [[Medium Trader]]
 
| AM
 
| AM
 
| [[Bloodwell class Merchant]]
 
| [[Bloodwell class Merchant]]
| (1,000 to 1,499 tons): ''Medium Trader''s are a compromise between the nimble trade abilities of lighter craft and the heavier cargo loads of larger craft.  
+
| (1,000 to 1,499 tons): ''Medium Trader''s are a compromise between the nimble trade abilities of lighter craft and the heavier cargo loads of larger craft. They have higher operating costs and crew requirements compared to the typical free, far, fast, deep... or other traders. But, they have their niche in the interstellar socioeconomic trade system.
* They have higher operating costs and crew requirements compared to the typical free, far, fast, deep... or other traders. But, they have their niche in the interstellar socioeconomic trade system.
+
* A = tr'''A'''mp vessel
 
* M = Medium
 
* M = Medium
 
|-
 
|-
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=== Selected Variant Types & Classes ===
 
=== Selected Variant Types & Classes ===
'''[[Merchant Vessel]] - [[Tramp Liner]]:''' <br>
+
{{:Referral-Tree-Type-A1-Free-Trader}}
{{:Referral-Tree-Type-A-Merchant-Vessel-Tramp-Liner}}
+
{{:Referral-Tree-Type-A2-Far-Trader}}
 +
{{:Referral-Tree-Type-A3-Deep-Trader}}
 +
{{:Referral-Tree-Type-AA-Armored-Merchant}}
 +
{{:Referral-Tree-Type-AH-Heavy-Tramp}}
 +
{{:Referral-Tree-Type-AL-Light-Merchant}}
 +
{{:Referral-Tree-Type-AM-Medium-Merchant}}
  
 
=== Ship Summary List ===
 
=== Ship Summary List ===
 +
Some of the most commonly used [[vessel]]s in this role or these roles include:
 
{{Ship summary list|name= Free Trader / Tramp Vessel |tdes= A}}
 
{{Ship summary list|name= Free Trader / Tramp Vessel |tdes= A}}
{{Ship summary list|name= Far Trader / Tramp Vessel |tdes= A1}}
+
{{Ship summary list|name= Free Trader / Tramp Vessel |tdes= A1}}
 
{{Ship summary list|name= Far Trader / Tramp Vessel |tdes= A2}}
 
{{Ship summary list|name= Far Trader / Tramp Vessel |tdes= A2}}
 
{{Ship summary list|name= Deep Trader / Fast Trader / Tramp Vessel |tdes= A3}}
 
{{Ship summary list|name= Deep Trader / Fast Trader / Tramp Vessel |tdes= A3}}

Revision as of 01:57, 27 October 2019

Line Combatants (Primary - Capital) Escort Combatants (Secondary - Subcapital) Military Auxiliary (Tertiary)
B-
Battleship
C-
Cruiser
O-
Ortillery
V-
Carrier
D-
Destroyer
E-
Escort
F-
Fighter
H-
Defense/Security
I-
Combat Transport
Q-
Combat Support
S-
Scout
U-
Utility
X-
Commo
Z-
Special
Mercantile Commercial Ships (Trade & Profit) Non-Mercantile Commercial Ships (Industry & Profit) Non-Commercial Ships (Nonprofit) System Craft (Intrastellar)
A-
Tramp
M-
Freighter
R-
Liner
T-
Transport
G-
Industrial
J-
Prospector
K-
Expedition
P-
Corsair
U-
Utility
L-
Science
N-
Medical
Y-
Private
WB-
Barge
WA-
Satellite
WO-
Space Station

A-class Tramp Vessels are merchant vessels well suited to unscheduled, speculative interstellar trade. They are small-scale trade vessels and include the well known free traders and far traders. [1]

Technical Data.jpg

Library Data Referral Tree

Please refer to the following AAB Library Data for more information:
Starship:

  • Speed of Travel

  • Description (Specifications)

    A-class Tramps are low tonnage vessels in the ACS category that cover the tramp market, which is to say unscheduled, high speculation trade routes that entail the possibility of great risks... and great profit. As soon as a tramp establishes a new route, the trail-broken trade route is likely to be snatched up by R-class subsidized liners or M-class freighter vessels with greater economic efficiencies. And the process begins anew... [3]

    Image Repository

    Type A1 Free Trader / Free Lancer:

    1. A top down schematic of a Beowulf with a typical shuttle.
      Free-Trader-T5-Core-Rules-Pg-358 25-July-2018a.jpg
    2. A simple crewsophont sketch of a tail-sitter Tequila class Free Trader.
      Tequila-class-Subsidized Trader-THUMB-CT-01b-Leo-Knight 17-Aug-2019c.jpg
    3. The flattened spheroid Tachyon class Light Trader, a rarely encountered design.
      J-1 100dT Tachyon class Light Trader (updated).jpg
    4. An image of a variant Type A class Free Trader.
      Type A Free Trader Alt.png
    5. An early model Beowulf under spaceflight.
      Free-Trader-WH-Keith-MT-Imp-Encyclo-Pg-36 03-July-2018a.jpg

    Type A2 Far Trader:

    1. A contemporary trade vessel, a Jayhawk class Far Trader, which is also known as a Marava II class Far Trader.
      Far-Trader-T5-Core-Rules-Pg-358 25-July-2018a.jpg
    2. The venerable Wulf class Free Trader.
      J2 200dT Trader.jpg
    3. The A1 is externally identical to the Early model A2, a Garu.
      Far-Trader-WH-Keith-MT-Imp-Encyclo-Pg-81 03-July-2018a.jpg
    4. A Salamander-class coming into a starport to trade.
      Salamander-class-Far-Trader-D20 30-May-2019a.jpg
    5. A very merchant prince-customized Jayhawk class Far Trader.
      Jayhawk-class-Pink-Image-Deitrick-Path-of-Tears-Cover 12-Aguust-2019b.jpg

    Type A3 Deep Trader / Fast Trader:

    1. TBD

    Type AA Armored Trader / Frontier Trader:

    1. A Star class Armored Merchant on a trade mission to a potentially hostile rich world.
      Star-Class-CT-RESIZE-High-Passage-3-WH-Keith-FASA-Cover 23-Oct-2019b.jpg

    Type AH Heavy Trader:

    1. A Type TJ class Merchant. The vessel could actually be a misidentified Type TI class Merchant: The two classes of vessel are externally virtually identical.
      Type-TJ-W-H-Keith CT-The-Traveller-Adventure 28-Sept-2019.png

    Type AL Light Trader:

    1. TBD

    Type AM Medium Trader:

    1. TBD

    Spectrum of Civil Shipping in Charted Space

    Spectrum of Civil Shipping in Charted Space: 1105
    Cateogries A-class R-class M-class T-class
    Synopsis Tramp Liner Freighter Transport & Tanker
    Hull Tonnage 100 to 2,499 dTons 100 to 2,499 dTons 2,500 to 999,999 dTons 2,500 to 999,999 dTons or more...
    (...rarely more than 1,000,000) dTons
    Size-Cat ACS ACS BCS & FCS BCS & FCS (rarely WCS)
    Ideal Freight Volume Zero to Low (Hundreds of tons) Medium (Hundreds to Thousands of tons) High (Thousands to Tens of Thousands of tons) Very High (Tens to Hundreds of Thousands of tons)
    Market Unscheduled low volume, high speculation trade routes Mostly scheduled, medium speculation, subsidized trade routes Scheduled medium and high-volume, low speculation trade routes Scheduled high volume trade routes with massive economies of scale, or massive (...usually government) projects
    Rough Market Share 10% 25% 45% 20%
    Area of Influence Cluster or Trace+ Subsector+ Sector Multi-Sector
    Business Fledgling Line Subsector-wide Line & Interface Line Sector-wide Line Multi-sector Line
    Remarks Merchant Princes & Adventurers Scheduled & Subsidized Trade Backbone of Merchant Trade Corporate Bulk Trade
    NOTES: While standards exist, ship naming standards evolve with time and over tech epochs. Class naming comments are only generalizations and many exceptions exist. Trade is heavily affected by local regulations, the rule of law, and local security conditions. WCS-class vessels are not ordinarily used for merchant missions as they are too large and expensive.

    Strategy & Tactics (Doctrine)

    Due to the risks, such A-class vessels often carry light naval armament, but can't honestly hope to fend off more than small corsair vessels. They stand almost no chance against military marauders and their only viable strategy must be to run against such opponents. [4]

    Supraclass Roles

    Tramp Vessels typically serve the following roles:
    Largecraft & Bigcraft:

    A-class Tramp Supraclass Archetypes
    Archetype Type Code
    Armed Cargo Ship (AA)
    Armed Junker (AA)
    Armed Trader (AA)
    Armored Merchant (AA)
    Armored Trader (AA)
    Armoured Fast Trader (AA) or (AAF)
    Caravel (A)
    Deep Trader (A3) or (A22)
    Far Trader (A2)
    Fast Trader (A3)
    Freelancer (A)
    Free Trader (A1)
    Frontier Trader (AA) or (AF)
    Independent Merchant (A)
    Heavy Trader (AH)
    Light Trader (AL)
    Long Trader (A3)
    Medium Trader (AM)
    Merchant Schooner (A)
    Merchant Vessel (A)
    Modular Systems Vessel (A)
    Private Merchant (A)
    Protected Merchant (AA)
    Provincial Merchant (A2)
    Provincial Trader (A2)
    Small Merchant (AL)
    Space Tramp (A)
    Trade Boat (A)
    Tramp Liner (A1)
    Tramp Ship (A)
    Tramp Vessel (A) (Namesake)

    Size-Class Roles for Tramp Vessels

    1. Utility Craft (U) (1 to 99 tons)
    2. Light Trader (AL) (100 to 999 tons)
    3. Medium Trader (AM) (1,000 to 1,499 tons)
    4. Heavy Trader (AH) (1,500 to 2,499 tons)
    5. Freighter or Transport (M or T) (2,500 or larger tons)

    Civilian Subcraft

    Civilian subcraft (...both smallcraft and bigcraft) are carried by some of these vessels:

    1. Barge (WB)
    2. Utility Craft (U)

    Supraclass Archetypal Roles

    These vessels typically serve the following archetypal roles:

    A-class Tramp Supraclass Archetypes
    Archetype Type Code Exemplar Remarks
    Tramp Vessel A (Namesake) Beowulf class Free Trader Tramp Vessels are the ships of high adventure and high risk. They maximize the concept of buying low and selling high, often skirting or bypassing the limitations of local system legalities and regulations. They almost never follow set patterns or prearranged schedules... for long.
    • A = trAmp vessel
    Free Trader / Free Lancer A1 Alexandria class Free Trader (J-1): They are typically light, free-spirited J-1 trader craft, built to speculate on primary mains. Incredibly numerous and common craft speculating almost everywhere throughout Charted Space.
    • A = trAmp vessel
    • A-1 = Parsec range distance of jump drive.
    Far Trader A2 Empress Marava class Far Trader (J-2): They are typically a speculative trader with a J-2 drive built to travel off primary mains. Hardy, common craft going where free traders can't...
    • A = trAmp vessel
    • A-2 = Parsec range distance of jump drive.
    Deep Trader /

    Long Trader /
    Fast Trader

    A3 Fat Cat class Far Trader (J-3+): They are typically a ranged trader with a J-3 or greater jump-range for extended operations. Long or Deep Traders either employ a more powerful jump drive with greater range (J-3+), or a lesser jump drive (J-2+) with fuel for multiple jumps. Those employing a faster jump drive which can reach their destination in a single jump are often known as a Fast Trader. Uncommon and built to serve isolated systems in rift zones or low star density areas.
    • A = trAmp vessel
    • A-3 = Parsec range distance of jump drive.
    Armored Trader /

    Frontier Trader /
    Fast Trader

    AA Star class Armored Merchant (Armed & Armored): They typically employ an armored hull and some defensive armament for dangerous trade in seedy, potentially hostile regions such as an Imperial Fringe. Uncommon, yet hardy and greatly valued where pirates and strangers dwell...
    • A = trAmp vessel
    • A = Armored, Armed, etc.
    • Those employing a faster maneuver drive are also known as a Fast Trader.
    Heavy Trader AH Leviathan class Merchant Cruiser (1,500 to 2,499 tons): Heavy Traders push the limits of what an A-class vessel can do... They have higher operating costs and larger crews than smaller vessels and thus take larger risks when speculating along unknown trade routes. Almost all carry mail vaults and have at least a few staterooms for impromptu travellers able to afford the passage fees. They tend to better excel at subsidized work and most take a combination of tramp and scheduled workloads.
    • A = trAmp vessel
    • H = Heavy
    Light Trader AL Aoa'iw class Light Trader (100 to 999 tons): Light Traders excel at light scheduled or unscheduled speculative trade. They are light and nimble with low operating costs and small crews.
    • A = trAmp vessel
    • L = Light
    Medium Trader AM Bloodwell class Merchant (1,000 to 1,499 tons): Medium Traders are a compromise between the nimble trade abilities of lighter craft and the heavier cargo loads of larger craft. They have higher operating costs and crew requirements compared to the typical free, far, fast, deep... or other traders. But, they have their niche in the interstellar socioeconomic trade system.
    • A = trAmp vessel
    • M = Medium
    NOTES: There is semantic overlap between many of the classes and codes. Some codes organize by mission or capability, others by size and tonnage, and yet others by other characteristics.

    History & Background (Dossier)

    As soon as civilizations reach beyond their homeworld and its star system, a market for tramp vessels begins to develop... As colonies are established and new races encountered, the opportunity for interstellar trade and profitable speculation follows. There will always be adventurers, merchant princes, gentlesophonts, Travellers, and even a few scalliwags ready to explore and make a quick crimp. [5]

    Within Charted Space, most acknowledge that the Vilani were the first to the stars who still remain within the current order. Their tramp vessels first created and manufactured by the mighty Bureaux, the Vilani megacorporations, have been borrowed, purchased, stolen, and widely copied by nearly every sophont species with an FTL Jump Drive and a little hope. Some Type-A designs are literally over a thousand years old... They have seen empires rise and fall, a Long Night, mass conquest, and whatever other drama the reaches of Charted Space can provide. Desperate little crews still patch these vessels together with bailing wire and scrap metal, often cobbling together parts and technologies from very different sources. The original Vilani designs have been copied, cloned, further developed, modified, edited, mangled, and mutilated into a variety of mercantile mutt traders. Yes, they're glorious! Long live the venerable Type-A Tramps in their many guises! [6]

    Selected Variant Types & Classes

    Merchant Vessel - (Free Trader / Tramp Liner):

    1. Type A class Free Trader (Type A1)
      1. Alexandria class Free Trader
      2. Basil class Merchant
      3. Beowulf class Free Trader
      4. Bremen class Caravel
      5. Carrack class Tramp Liner
      6. Coriander class Free Trader
      7. Lune class Freelancer
      8. March Harrier class Free Trader
      9. Moraine class Free Trader
      10. Regni Yards Type A class Free Trader
      11. Tequila class Free Trader
      12. Type A1 class Free Trader
      13. Type A-J2 class Free Trader
      14. Type A-P class Free Trader
      15. Type TC(S) class Free Trader

    Civilian Ship - Merchant Vessel - Far Trader:

    1. Type A2 class Far Trader
      1. Akkigish class Far Trader
      2. Akkigish class Subsidized Merchant
      3. April Hare class Far Trader
      4. Avian class Far Trader
      5. Empress Marava class Far Trader
      6. Fanzhienz class Far Trader
      7. Farrou class Far Trader
      8. Garu class Far Trader
      9. Gizicih class General Trader
      10. Hero class Far Trader
      11. Hnneshant class Trade Boat
      12. Hugin class Trader
      13. Independent Hauler class Far Trader
      14. Jayhawk class Far Trader
      15. Khershawn class Trader
      16. Maru class Merchant
      17. Nymph class Merchant
      18. Princess Gunnhilde class Far Trader
      19. Salamander class Far Trader
      20. Soho class Light Freighter
      21. Solostar class Far Trader
      22. Stage class Far Trader
      23. Treader class Free Trader
      24. Type A2L class Far Trader
      25. Type HR class Trader
      26. Type VA class Trader
      27. Wulf class Free Trader

    Merchant Vessel - (Deep Trader / Long Trader / Fast Trader):

    1. Type A3 class Fast Trader
      1. ColonyCord class Fast Trader
      2. Fat Cat class Far Trader
      3. Swordfish class Merchant
      4. Trojan Reaches Type A3 class Trader
      5. Type A3L class Far Trader

    Merchant Vessel - (Armored Trader / Frontier Trader / Fast Trader):

    1. Type AA class Armored Merchant
      1. Jasper class Provincial Merchant
      2. Khoghue class Armed Junker
      3. Nguksu class Armoured Fast Trader
      4. Siyuihwye class Armored Trader
      5. Star class Armored Merchant
      6. Type RAX class Protected Merchant
      7. Venture class Frontier Trader

    Merchant Vessel - Heavy Trader:

    1. Type AH class Heavy Trader
      1. Dakaar class Freighter
      2. Dakaar class Merchant Transport
      3. Leviathan class Merchant Cruiser
      4. Type TI class Merchant
      5. Type TJ class Merchant

    Civilian Ship - Merchant Vessel - Light Trader:

    1. Type AL class Light Trader
      1. Anjou class Freighter
      2. Aoa'iw class Light Trader
      3. Burning Sky class Merchant Schooner
      4. Consul class Provincial Trader
      5. Fortune class Merchant
      6. Garuda class Modular Systems Vessel
      7. Iguna class Trader
      8. Joshim P. Stone class Provincial Trader
      9. Liz Zhorka class Light Trader
      10. Manta class Small Merchant
      11. Panga class Merchant
      12. Paya class Light Freighter
      13. Rhapsody class Merchant Trader
      14. Tachyon class Light Trader
      15. Unholy Exile class Trader

    Merchant Vessel - Medium Trader:

    1. Type AM class Medium Trader
      1. Anhk class Merchant
      2. Bloodwell class Merchant
      3. Susa class Cargo Carrier
      4. Type CT class Cargo Carrier
      5. Tyrfing class Freighter
      6. Willkeit class Cargo Carrier

    Ship Summary List

    Some of the most commonly used vessels in this role or these roles include:

    134 Representative Free Trader / Tramp Vessel (A) Classes
    Class Mission Code TL Tons Jump G Origin Canon Quick ship profile
    Class Mission Code TL Tons Jump G Origin Canon Quick ship profile
    Akkigish class Far Trader AF 10 400 2 3 Vilani Imperium
    Akkigish class Subsidized Merchant AK 9 400 1 1 Third Imperium Yes AK-AS12
    Alexandria class Free Trader AF 12 200 1 1 Third Imperium No AF-BS211
    Amkarim class Trade Liner AK 11 600 1 1 Ziru Sirka RT-BU11
    Anchorage class Orbital Station AW 10 45,000 0 1 Distant Fringe
    Andrew class Commercial Shuttle AK 15 95 0 3 Third Imperium No
    Anhk class Merchant AK 13 1,200 2 1 Third Imperium No
    Anjou class Freighter AF 14 440 2 2 Third Imperium
    Aoa'iw class Light Trader AF 12 300 2 1 Aslan Hierate Yes
    Apollo class Runabout A 7 50 0 2 Distant Fringe A-5A20
    April Hare class Far Trader AF 11 400 2 1 Third Imperium
    Athelstan class Merchant AF 11 400 2 2 Third Imperium No
    Avian class Far Trader AF 11 200 2 2 Third Imperium No
    AX-H class Modular Heavy Fleet Auxiliary AN 12 10,000 1 2 Principality of Caledon
    AX-L class Modular Light Fleet Auxiliary AN 12 1,000 1 2 Principality of Caledon
    Basil class Merchant AF 200 1 2 Third Imperium No AF-BS211
    Beowulf class Free Trader AF 10 200 1 1 Third Imperium Yes AF-BS11
    Bloodwell class Merchant AK 13 1,000 3 1 Third Imperium Yes AK-KS13
    Bluestone class Cargo Barge A 7 3,000 0 2 Distant Fringe
    Borazio class Heavy Freighter AK 10 1,000 2 1 Third Imperium Yes RC-KU12
    Bremen class Caravel AF 10 600 1 1 Plavian League
    Brutus class Ship Transporter AN 11 30,000 2 1 Distant Fringe
    Burning Sky class Merchant Schooner AF 10 300 1 1 Kingdom of Peladon
    Caccil class Merchant A 13 100,000 1 1 Aakho Pantocracy
    Caine class Troop Transport AC 11 6,000 2 2 Distant Fringe
    Caroline class Heavy Pinnace AF 9 30 0 4 Distant Fringe AF-3A40
    Cihzicih class Transport AK 15 800 2 2 Hive Federation Yes AK-HS12
    Ciigusna class Pinnace AF 15 40 0 4 Hive Federation Yes AF-4S30
    ColonyCord class Fast Trader AF 12 2,000 3 3 Second Imperium AF-VS33
    Congo class Cargo Barge AK 9 50 0 1 Third Imperium AK-5S11
    Consul class Provincial Trader AF 9 400 1 1 Distant Fringe AF-DS11
    Coriander class Free Trader AF 12 300 2 2 Third Imperium
    Damgarrii class Passenger Launch A 9 20 0 1 Vilani Imperium Yes A-2L10
    Darlene class Gig A 13 20 0 5 Third Imperium Yes A-2S60
    Delta Princess class Merchant A 9 100 1 1 Third Imperium
    Denuli class Hunting Launch AY 12 20 0 1 Third Imperium Yes A-5S10
    Desiree Keah class Yacht AY 15 400 4 1 Third Imperium No Y-DS14
    Dhaztuen class Far Merchant AK 12 600 3 1 Vargr Extents Yes
    Doji Hoturi class Bulk Freighter AK 11 3,000 2 2 Distant Fringe AK-03A22
    Eakhau class Trader AF 11 400 2 1 Aslan Hierate Yes AF-DS12
    Echtovr Dazhia class Council Cruiser AY 12 2,000 3 2 Zhodani Consulate
    Empress Marava class Far Trader AF 10 200 2 1 Third Imperium Yes AF-BS12
    Entremis class Military Transport AN 11 8,000 2 2 Unity of Sed AN-08P22
    Exile class Yacht AY 11 200 2 2 Yimin Jiti
    Fanzhhienz class Far Trader AF 9 200 2 2 Zhodani Consulate Yes AF-BS22
    Farrou class Far Trader AF 11 200 2 2 Vargr Extents Yes AF-BS22
    Fat Cat class Far Trader AF 14 300 2 2 Third Imperium Yes AF-CL22
    Freespace Gateway class Freighter AK 12 2,500 3 2 Third Imperium AK-02S23
    Gamma Haden class Liner AK 11 1,000 2 2 Distant Fringe AK-KS22
    Garu class Far Trader AF 11 200 2 1 Third Imperium Yes AF-BS12
    Ghent class Subsidized Merchant AK 9 400 1 1 Third Imperium Yes
    Gizicih class General Trader AF 12 400 2 1 Hive Federation Yes AF-4S12
    Goliath class Provincial Freighter AK 9 3,500 1 2 Distant Fringe AK-03S21
    Guilder class Subsidized Merchant AK 12 400 1 1 Third Imperium Yes RK-DA11
    Harbor class Orbital Station AW 11 95,000 0 1 Distant Fringe
    Hercules class Commercial Tender AV 11 3,500 2 2 Distant Fringe
    Hero class Far Trader AF 11 200 2 2 Ziru Sirka Yes
    Hnneshant class Trade Boat AF 11 400 2 2 Vargr Extents No
    Ihatei class Transport AQ 13 50,000 3 1 Aslan Hierate Yes IT-0ES13
    Iinen class Yacht AY 14 200 1 1 Third Imperium
    Independent Hauler class Far Trader AF 12 100 2 1 Vland AF-AS12
    Jasper class Provincial Merchant AK 9 900 1 1 Distant Fringe
    Jayhawk class Far Trader AF 12 200 2 1 Third Imperium Yes AF-BS12
    Jelmirt Marquis class High Liner AK 12 80,000 3 3 Percavid Marches AK-0HP33
    Jeremey class Recovery Boat AN 12 20 0 2 Jelmiri Marches AN-1A20
    Jose Cadiz Royal Galleon class Cargo Carrier AK 14 900 4 2 Third Imperium
    Joshim P. Stone class Provincial Trader AF 9 400 1 1 Distant Fringe AF-DS11
    K class SICP Colony Ship AQ 14 10,000 3 2 Solomani Sphere
    Khershwan class Trader AF 12 300 2 2 Vargr Extents No
    Khtukhao class Clan Transport AK 11 600 2 2 Aslan Hierate Yes R2-FU22
    Kolomyia class Fast Liner AK 12 1,000 3 2 Solomani Confederation
    Lanthium Petal class Speculative Trader AF 12 800 3 2 Third Imperium Yes AF-HS23
    Last Armada class Launch AK 11 20 0 2 Terran Confederation
    Last Armada class Survey Shuttle AK 11 60 0 3 Terran Confederation
    Launch A 8 20 0 1 Third Imperium Yes A-2S10
    Liberty III class Independent Merchant A 15 1,000 2 2 Third Imperium A-KS22
    Lightning class Frontier Merchant AK 11 400 2 3 Terran Confederation Yes
    Lushina class Fast Cutter A 15 50 0 6 Third Imperium No A-5S60
    Maada class Fast Trader AF 11 200 1 4 Third Imperium Yes AF-BS41
    Manta class Small Merchant AF 11 200 2 1 Third Imperium AF-BS12
    Maru class Merchant AK 13 500 2 1 Third Imperium No AK-EU12
    Mauripo class Subsidized Merchant AK 15 600 2 1 Third Imperium No
    Mavuzo class Super Freighter AK 12 500,000 3 3 Principality of Mavuzo AK-0PU33
    Mooring class Orbital Station AW 11 40,000 0 1 Distant Fringe
    Mora class Freighter AK 15 1,000 2 1 Third Imperium Yes AK-KS12
    Moraine class Free Trader AF 10 200 1 1 Third Imperium Yes AF-BS11
    Narva class Pinnace AF 9 20 0 4 Distant Fringe A-2A40
    Noql class Free Trader AF 14 300 2 1 Zhodani Consulate Yes
    Nye class Caravel AF 11 2 2 Free and Holy Federation of Amil AK-FS22
    Nymph class Provincial Merchant AF 11 400 2 1 Third Imperium No A2-DP12
    Palatine class Merchant Trader AK 11 700 2 1 Distant Fringe AK-GA12
    Paya class Light Freighter AF 9 100 1 1 Third Imperium AF-AS11
    Perseus class Free Trader AF 12 200 1 1 Third Imperium No AF-BA11
    Petty class Subsidized Merchant AK 12 400 1 1 Third Imperium Yes
    Port of Nickle Eugenia class Bulk Container Vessel A 13 142,000 4 4 Talokan Armed Forces A-0KU44
    Pratt class Gig A 14 20 0 6 Third Imperium Yes
    Princess Gunnhilde class Far Trader AF 13 200 2 1 Vargr Extents Yes
    Queen class Modular Subsidized Merchant AK 13 600 3 1 Third Imperium No
    Refugee Pilgrim class Transport A 12 10,000 3 3 Tenjada Moralitate
    Regni Yards Type A class Free Trader AF 12 200 1 1 Third Imperium

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    References & Contributors (Sources)

    This list of sources was used by the Traveller Wiki Editorial Team and individual contributors to compose this article. Copyrighted material is used under license from Far Future Enterprises or by permission of the author. The page history lists all of the contributions.
    1. Information provided to the library by Maksim-Smelchak
    2. Information provided to the library by Maksim-Smelchak
    3. Information provided to the library by Maksim-Smelchak
    4. Information provided to the library by Maksim-Smelchak
    5. Information provided to the library by Maksim-Smelchak
    6. Information provided to the library by Maksim-Smelchak