This paper examines how the shipping industry is not homogeneous, but consists of several discrete
sectors, each of which operates in different commercial and regulatory regimes, whose needs serve different types of purpose-built vessels. The three main sectors are passenger shipping service,
liner cargo services and
bulk cargo-carrying services. It provides an analysis of bulk shipping and liner shipper sectors through the comparison of their characteristics, discussing their
contestability in transportation market. A recommendation for improving both sectors contestability is also given.