In One Piece, a ship is far more than a means of transport — it is a full-fledged member of the crew, sometimes endowed with a soul. The iconic ships of One Piece have become legends in their own right, just as memorable as the pirates who sail them. Here are the most remarkable vessels in the series.
The Going Merry — the Straw Hats’ first caravel
Built by the inhabitants of Syrup Village (East Blue), the Going Merry was gifted to the Straw Hats by Kaya as a token of gratitude for saving her village from Captain Kuro. Its figurehead — a smiling sheep — became the emblematic symbol of the crew’s early adventure.
Key features:
- A lightweight caravel, perfectly suited to East Blue
- Capable of performing the Coup de Vent (limited flight thanks to a Dial)
- Possessed a Klabautermann (the guardian spirit of the ship) that manifested on several occasions
Its end during the Water Seven arc is one of the most heartbreaking moments in the entire manga. The “Merry’s Funeral” off the shores of Enies Lobby remains one of the most cited scenes among fans worldwide.
The Thousand Sunny — the Straw Hats’ current ship
Built by Franky at Water Seven, the Thousand Sunny is the Straw Hat Pirates’ second ship. It is crafted from sacred Adam Wood — the very same timber Tom used to build Roger’s Oro Jackson.
Equipment:
- Coup de Burst — compressed air propulsion for escaping critical situations
- Gaon Cannon — the ship’s primary weapon
- Soldier Dock System — houses submarines, mini-ships, and a paddle boat
- Aquarium, library, Franky’s workshop
- Lion figurehead — the “Sunny”, emblem of the sun
The Thousand Sunny is technically the most advanced ship ever sailed by Luffy’s crew. It carries the weight of every dream the crew holds — a “ship of dreams” in the most literal sense.
The Oro Jackson — Roger’s ship
The only ship in history to have reached Laugh Tale (the final island of the Grand Line). Built by Tom (Franky’s master) from Adam Wood, the Oro Jackson was the vessel of Gol D. Roger and his crew — including Silvers Rayleigh, Kozuki Oden, and a young Shanks.
The ship was dismantled following Roger’s execution. Yet some fans theorise that the Adam Wood and its Klabautermann may have been passed on to the Sunny — a living legacy sailing on.
The Moby Dick — Whitebeard’s ship
An enormous whale-shaped warship with a sperm whale figurehead, Edward Newgate (Whitebeard)‘s Moby Dick is one of the most iconic vessels in the series. Its sheer size and power made it the flagship of a fleet that dominated the New World for decades.
The Moby Dick was destroyed at Marineford by Akainu’s attacks. The ship sank alongside its captain — the end of an era.
The Red Force — Shanks’s ship
A massive blood-red galleon, the Red Force is the ship of Red-Haired Shanks and the Red Hair Pirates. Though rarely seen in full action (Shanks sails more than he fights in the main timeline), this ship has crossed as many seas as Roger’s own vessel.
The Polar Tang — Law’s submarine
The Heart Pirates’ signature yellow submarine, the Polar Tang is piloted by Bepo. It is one of the very few submarines in the series, a reflection of Trafalgar Law‘s cerebral and unconventional nature. It transported Luffy and his crew during the Straw Hat–Heart Pirates alliance.
The Yonko’s ships
- Queen Mama Chanter — Big Mom‘s extravagant pastry-themed ship.
- Big Top — Buggy‘s circus ship, now the flagship of Cross Guild.
- Saber of Xebec — the legendary warship of Rocks D. Xebec, the archetype of raw pirate power.
The concept of the Klabautermann
In One Piece, certain ships develop a soul through the love and care they receive over time. This soul takes the form of a Klabautermann — a guardian spirit that appears only rarely and blesses the crew. The Going Merry had a Klabautermann, and it is this spiritual dimension that makes the ship’s death so utterly devastating.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does crossing Reverse Mountain work?
To enter the Grand Line, ships must climb Reverse Mountain — the “Inverted Mountain” where the currents of all four Blues converge and surge upward. It is a unique mechanic in the series, splitting the world in two: before and after the Grand Line.
What are the essential tools for navigating the Grand Line?
A Log Pose (a magnetic compass that locks onto islands) is mandatory — ordinary compasses are useless here. An Eternal Pose allows you to point toward a specific island at will. And of course, a sturdy ship built from the right timber.
To discover the pirates who sailed these legendary vessels, browse our Wanted Posters, or check out our Luffy Crew pack to bring the full Thousand Sunny crew together.
Article written by the Wanted Store team — sources: One Piece manga vols. 1-110+ by Eiichiro Oda, Toei Animation anime, official SBS. Updated on April 26, 2026.
