Containers, container ships and container terminals are key elements in container transportation. Container ships have made it possible to create an uninterrupted transport chain where the cargo is transported in a standardized container, from sender to recipient, using a variety of transport modes. This is confirmed by the fact that around 90% of the general cargo is transported in containers. Containerization has also affected changes in the economy, technology and organization of maritime liner transport. Economically speaking, this means that there is an increasing investment in shipbuilding as well as in terminal and container equipment itself. Technologically, this involves the construction of new types of ships, and thus the creation of new ways of transshipment and handling of containers at terminals. As far as the organization is concerned, there is a need to harmonize the interests of all parties involved in the container transport system. Because of this, the development of the container industry on a global scale has led to increased demand for larger transport capacity, and the big companies have adapted to the construction of mega-ships that stand out in size and capacity. This paper will cover the whole concept of container ships, the ways in which they developed through history and how the global economy has affected this development. Furthermore, the standard container ship design will be discussed and features of modern container ships will be provided.