By Frozen · checked in-game on the live patch · Updated 3 July 2026
Massive cargo container ship that spawns offshore, boards a patrol of ~11–12 scientists, and carries four locked crates (15 minutes to hack each) — three spawn as it loops the map and a fourth when it docks at a harbour, before it sails off after roughly 40–50 minutes.
| Type | Moving naval event · server-set spawn timer |
|---|---|
| Time on map | ~40–50 minutes, then it sails off and despawns |
| Path | Sails the perimeter ocean tiles, then docks once at a harbour |
| Defenders | ~11–12 scientists (mostly SAR, a few LR300/AK47) |
| Locked crates | 4 per event — 3 as it loops the map, plus 1 at the harbour dock |
| Hack timer | 15 minutes per crate; loot drops at 0:00 |
| Loot pool | Same as CH47 Locked Crate |
The Cargo Ship is Rust's moving loot piñata — a massive container ship that spawns at sea and loops the map perimeter for roughly 40–50 minutes. It carries four locked crates, each with a 15-minute hack timer — three become hackable as it loops the map and a fourth when it docks at a harbour. It's defended by ~11–12 scientists. (The Patrol Helicopter is a separate world event — it does not spawn with Cargo.) Clearing Cargo as a duo or trio is one of the best per-hour loot runs in the game.
The headline rewards are the four Locked Crates — same loot pool as the CH47 drop, including L96, M249, MGL and HMLMG rolls. Three become hackable one at a time as the ship loops the map (a horn announces each) and a fourth spawns when it docks at a harbour; each takes 15 minutes to unlock, and you cannot speed it up — only protect it.
Around the ship there are also military crates (~6 spawns), elite crates (~2 spawns) and scientist drops from each kill. Total loot from a fully cleared cargo run rivals or beats a Launch Site green-puzzle clear.
~11–12 scientists patrol the deck: most carry SARs, with a few on LR300 or AK47. They fire at long range and have hazmat hp pools. The cabin scientists are particularly dangerous — close-quarters with rifles inside the bridge.
Staggered crates: the four locked crates don't all open at once — three become hackable at intervals as the ship loops the map (a horn announces each) and the fourth appears when it docks at a harbour, so a full clear means holding the ship for most of its run. Note the Patrol Helicopter is a separate world event and is not part of Cargo.
Harbour dock: since the Waves of Change update the ship docks once at a harbour during its route. Cranes load extra shipping containers onto the deck (you can hide inside them), and the fourth locked crate becomes available here — but the dock also lets land players board easily, so expect contested fights.
Other players are the biggest threat — Cargo is highly contested. Expect 1-3 boats trying to board simultaneously on weekend wipes.
Solo loadout (risky): AK47 or LR300 + Python, Metal Facemask + Roadsign, 200 5.56, 5 large medkits, Pure Max Health Tea active. You will struggle to clear all 11 scientists without backup — better as a duo+.
Duo/trio: one rifleman holds the spawn deck, one clears the cabin/bridge, one boats nearby for extraction. Standard split.
Approach: use a motorboat or RHIB — paddle boats are too slow. Approach from behind and grappling-hook up the rear to avoid the front-deck scientist gauntlet.
Escape: when a locked crate finishes hacking, grab it and go — rival teams push the moment it opens. Boat back to land via the shortest route and hide behind cliffs.