| Ships are large, sea-faring watercrafts specifically | | | | considering the weight of the ships, thus, more |
| designed to traverse large distances at a time in | | | | ways of propelling ships were developed to come |
| water. They are also capable of carrying heavy | | | | up with more efficient ships. |
| loads. They usually have multiple decks and can | | | | In 1807, the United States launched the first |
| carry, aside from their load, lifeboats and dinghies. | | | | successful steam-propelled ship, designed by |
| Ship sizes vary depending on their purpose and | | | | Robert Fulton. Europe immediately followed this |
| are often regulated by governing laws. Although | | | | trend in 1812. The use of steam engines in ship |
| ship size is based largely on a ship's intended use, | | | | propulsion banked on the energy produced by |
| there are still huge ships which are built for | | | | steam. This energy was enough to power the |
| prestigious reasons. Years back, a country's ability | | | | ships, making them more efficient. Condensers, |
| to produce a huge ship was considered to be a | | | | also developed during this time, significantly |
| national pride which would showcase how rich and | | | | lowered fresh water requirements. Multiple |
| powerful a country is. At present, ships are used | | | | expansion engines enabled the ships to travel |
| for cruises; for transporting people to many parts | | | | even faster. The steam turbines maximized the |
| of the world; as carriers to transfer heavy loads | | | | power of the ships despite their heavy weight. |
| and goods from port to port; or as warships to | | | | These were launched as the next generation of |
| protect the waters. | | | | high-speed watercrafts as we know them today. |
| Ship Propulsion | | | | It was only in 1912 that diesel engines made their |
| Before the 19th century, ships were powered by | | | | mark in the ship industry, replacing heavy coal as |
| oar-propelled galleys or sails and even a | | | | the ship's main fuel. These engines offered even |
| combination of both. This way of propelling ships | | | | more efficiency since they were much lighter than |
| accounted for the length of time it took ships to | | | | coal. Plus, coal-stokers were no longer needed to |
| traverse huge distances and also the effort put | | | | propel ships. |
| into sailing them. This offered less maneuverability | | | | |