This emoji goes beyond a simple boat, sometimes symbolizing a giant passenger liner like in the movie 'Titanic' or an important voyage. Thus, it's also used to metaphorically express the start of a big project or a new beginning in life.

Interestingly, in English-speaking fandom culture, 'ship' is used as a verb meaning 'to support a relationship between two people.' Therefore, this emoji is also often used to mean 'shipping'—cheering for a favorite character or celebrity couple. It's a fun emoji that's used as a cultural symbol beyond just a mode of transport.