Carrier ship's left manuscript (9)
I believe the answer is:
portfolio
'carrier' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both man-made objects as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?
'ship's left manuscript' is the wordplay.
'ship's left' becomes 'port' (I've seen this in another clue).
'manuscript' becomes 'folio' (I've seen this in another clue).
'port'+'folio'='PORTFOLIO'
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for portfolio that I've seen before include "Carrying case for documents" , "mixed dish" , "What Secretary of State was appointed to" , "minister's office" , "Flat case for paper sheets" .)