Cargo Containers

Type VII

The concept of modular transport containers is far from new. As far back as the DY-100 class, interchangeable components have been used to ease cargo transition as well as allow mission-specific transportation without requiring an entirely new ship.

Through the history of the United Earth Stellar Navy, the United Earth Starfleet, and finally the Federation Starfleet, however, the problem of a ‘standard’ container system, as well as a military-grade interchange system, has kept modular transportation systems just out of reach.

In 2222, a new consideration was added for the developing Ptolemy project: a new design for modular transports. Within a few years, both the first ship and pods were completed and the new system was born.

For transport ships following the modular transport design, the primary hull and drive system is linked to an ‘interlock’ port, a strong locking device which clamps the transport pod to the host ship by way of a joined pylon. In this way, a starship can make use of a variety of cargo containers, fulfilling different needs. For transport duties, the docking system has proven remarkably successful. The ability to switch cargo types, and even ‘ferry’ cargo between ships without loading and unloading has proven to be a valuable asset in the spacelanes.

Of course, it didn’t take long for some to consider combat applications for the transport pod system, and new designs for troop and shuttle transports, as well as ‘battle barge’ systems, were quickly drawn up for testing. The results of the ‘military application’ pods have been mixed. While ‘cheap transport’ may make sense in wartime, particularly when resources are short, their performance in peacetime lags well behind dedicated ships of the same function. Also, since the expected rise in tensions with the Klingon Empire did not come to pass, the designs have largely been shelved, with only a few applications coming to fruition in limited numbers.

Bulk

The ‘dry bulk’ container pod is basically the ‘stripped down’ transport pod, where little equipment is used for special handling and environmental concerns.

For its design, the ‘dry bulk’ pod is basically a stripped-down and somewhat more economical pod when compared to the general products design. Starfleet does keep a large number of these pods on hand, and are often referred to as ‘snail mail’ pods, since they often deliver stellar mail between ships, starbases, and Federation worlds.

Like the other ‘standard’ container types, the FDB-001 type would find common use in civilian roles and be in common use for decades following their release.

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  2245 (bow/stern)
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  2245 (dorsal)
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  2245 (side)

Liquid

The ‘liquids’ pod is designed with multiple pressure and temperature-controlled compartments to handle the transportation of liquids of various types, ranging from common water to low-yield hydrogen plasma. The pod’s systems are designed to keep each compartments’ liquids as stable and secure as possible.

Since the FGP pod has similar capacities of its own, the FGL pods are reserved for large-scale transport of liquids, such as initial colony supplies. Because of this, there are significantly fewer ‘liquids’ pods than general products pods in the space-lanes.

Products

The ‘products’ pod is designed for mass transit of ‘finished’ goods and materials. The pod can carry up to 300,000 cubic meters of assorted freight, ideal for resupplying starbases and outposts, as well as maintaining supply lines for Starfleet activities.

The FGP pod is designed to carry an assortment of goods, so it maintains several compartments for refrigeration, liquid transport, and so on. Due to its general purpose use and large capacity, the FGP pod is the most common type of transport container currently in use.

Reefer

The ‘reefer’, or refrigeration pod, is used to transport materials that are environment-sensitive. ‘Refrigeration’ may be a misnomer, since the pods are capable of transporting and delivering goods while maintaining ‘high heat’ conditions as well.

Since the FPG pod has refrigeration capabilities of its own, the FRF pods are reserved for large-scale transport of environmentally sensitive goods. Consequently, there are significantly fewer ‘reefer’ pods than general products pods in the spacelanes.

Starliner

The ‘starliner’ pod is normally in use by civilian agencies with auxiliary ships rather than formal use by Starfleet, though there have been a few exceptions - mostly for diplomatic purposes, or for the yearly Starfleet academy graduation cruise.

An SLR-001 type pod can accommodate between 300 to 500 guests in high luxury, with a wide variety of entertainment services, spacious rooms, and fully stocked galley. To get an understanding of the luxury found within this starliner, the SLR-001 itself (somewhat modified from spec) is the ‘Presidential Liner’, reserved for the Federation President and his staff.