A troopship (also troop ship or troop transport or trooper)'s a ship used to carry soldiers, either in peacetime or wartime. Operationally, troopships are normal ships, and unlike landing ships, can't land troops directly on shore, typically loading and unloading at a seaport or onto smaller vessels, either tenders or barges. History The troopship has as long a history as passenger ships do, as most maritime nations enlisted their support in military operations (either by leasing the vessels or… (More on Troopship)