A low-observable container ship: cargo handling and cost penalties

Could a container ship be made low-observable, and who would pay for it?

It is considered technically possible with enough money, but covering the containers would complicate unloading and reduce cargo efficiency. Extra maintenance and freight costs make the commercial case difficult, while small, valuable loads can travel by air.

A low-observable container ship is considered theoretically possible with enough money. A removable structure over the containers would complicate access for loading and unloading. The expected penalties include reduced cargo capacity for the ship's volume, additional crew and systems maintenance, and greater material and testing costs. Higher freight charges would have to recover those expenses, leaving the question of which customers would pay. Container carriage and minimal radar cross-section impose conflicting design requirements. Air freight provides an alternative for small volumes of high-value cargo.