Ship

Ship, large seagoing vessel for transport of people and goods. The wooden ships of ancient times were propelled by oars, sails, or a combination of the two. In the history of ships, highlights include the triremes (warships) of the Greeks and Romans, the Viking ships of the Middle Ages, and the ships of such powers as Spain, Portugal, and England during the 1400s and 1500s. Transoceanic voyages (of Columbus and others), made possible by improved navigational instruments, and the continued use of the seas to conquer new lands and expand empires prompted a booming shipbuilding industry of a wide variety of ships. With the introduction of steel, as well as the steam engine, the steam turbine, and then the diesel engine of the 20th century, the endurance and speed of ocean craft improved markedly. Nuclear engines for ships came into use in the 1950s. Despite competition from the airplane, railroad, and truck, ships still transport the bulk of the world's freight. Half the cargo at sea is oil, carried by supertankers that can hold millions of gallons of crude oil. Luxury cruise ships continue to hold their own in the travel/vacation industry. Ships, including destroyers, cruisers, and frigates, have also maintained an important position in the defense forces of many nations.