HISTORY OF SHIP BUILDING

The easiest way to transport large quantities of goods is by sea. Way back in the Stone Age, mankind has built boats to transport goods that neither he nor his domestic animals could carry. From that day to this, men always do the improvement to optimizing the shape, function and also the deadweight tonnage of them.
Let’s check out the history of shipbuilding

1. Floating Trunk
Needs for fishing and crossing rivers were the main reasons for men to use trunks

2. Raft
Floating trunk was not very stable so the men have learned to makes rafts using several trunks tied up together. That enabled them to carry heavier cargo and to navigate much easier.

3. Primitive Boat
Disadvantage of the raft was that it was big and slow, thus being used only on lakes and small rivers.

4. Egyptian Vessel
The river Nile was the only communication way among regions in ancient Egypt. During 4000 BC the first vessel was made using trunks of papyrus-tree connected with leather bond. Later on, vessels were made of fig-tree or acacia. Between 2500 and 2000 BC, Egyptians constructed vessel around 30-40 m long with mast and sails. Oars, used for moving through water, were situated amidships whereas oars for changing direction were placed astern.

5. Roman Vessel
After the wars against Chartaga, Rome became the ruler of the Mediterranean Sea. Roman navy had different types of vessels such us: battleship, recomaissance vessel, vessels for carrying troops, etc

6. Caravel
Caravel was type of vessel that was wide-spread between 12th and 16th century. She was very suitable for long voyages. She was fitted with three to four masts and she carried about 70 men. Christopher Columbus was using caravel for exploration.

7. Gally
Gallies were standard types of battleships and merchant ships on the Mediterranean since 10th century. Gally was developed from Byzantine vessel and was being used till 18th century. She was 60m in length, 7m wide and draught of 3m. Her deadweight was 300 tons and she carried about 500 men. Slaves and prisoners were being used for rowing. She was armed with snorkel in the bows, with tool for moving from one ship to another battle, and guns were used lated on. In addition, gallies were used for sailing on the river Danube. This version of gally, so called ‘Sajka’, was being used on the Adriatic.

8. Huge Vessel
This huge vessel was used for ocean-going voyages. She was fitted with four masts. 600 to 800 men could board the vessel for communicating with their colonies in America.

9. Sailing Vessel
During 15th century sailing vessel was constructed. She was the warship about 70 m in length, 15m wide, huge and magnificent, fitted with three mast 70m high. She carried 1000 to 1200 men and was armed with 120 guns.

10. Clipper
Clipper was constructed in America to compete English vessels. Her deadweight was 800-2000 tons and with her 3-8 masts she could sail at high speed. It took her 13 days to cross the Atlantic Ocean.

11. Steam Ship
In 1803, an American called Robert Fulton constructed the first steam ship. In 1807, he constructed the steam ship ‘Klermon’. It took her 22 hours to cross the distance between New York and Albany (287 km). In 1819 the ‘Savanah’ was constructed. She was fitted with three masts as well as steam engine. Classic sailing vessels ceared to exist that year. In Denmark, the ship builders in Copenhagen launched the first steam ship in 1830. The ship was called, Frederik the 4th.
In 1854, Burmeister and Wain launched the paddle steamer, Hermod, for the Post and Telegraph company.

12. Trans Atlantic
In 1858, Great Eastern constructed huge steam ship made of steel. She was 211m in length, and her deadweight was 20000 tons. This ship was forerunner of today’s modern ship.

13. Motorboat
Nowadays motor boats are very popular. They are used for economic, tourist and sport purposes. Of another land, military motor boats are used for fighting or carrying troops and military equipment. Certain types of motorboats reach the speed of 14. Battleship is made for strong steel. Her guns placed inside cupola can be moved in all directions. She was great fire-power. It is used for fighting on the sea and for shelling enemy ports.

14. Submarine
Submarine is a military vessel used for operations on the sea surface and below the surface. When sailing on the surface diesel engines are used for propulsion, whereas electric engine is used for underwater movement. USA constructed the first nuclear submarine ‘Nautilus’ which is used since 1954. Submarines are armed with torpedos, guns, and missiles.

15. Battleship
Battleship is made for strong steel. Her guns placed inside cupola can be moved in all directions. She was great fire-power. It is used for fighting on the sea and for shelling enemy ports.

16. Aircraft Carrier
Greater involvement of aircraft during sea-battles required construction of vessels that can carry aircrafts. In 1919, the first carrier was used. Modern aircraft carriers use nuclear power propulsion.