ship

A ship is a large watercraft designed for traveling long distances on seas and oceans. In common usage, ships are distinguished from smaller boats by their size, hull construction, and intended roles, such as carrying cargo, transporting passengers, or conducting naval, research, or support operations.

Historically, ships evolved from oared vessels and wind-powered hulls used in ancient trade to larger sailing ships in the Middle Ages. The invention of the stern rudder, improvements in hull strength, and advances in navigation expanded maritime routes. The Industrial Revolution introduced steam and, later, diesel propulsion, enabling greater range and cargo capacity in the 19th and 20th centuries.

Design and construction emphasize buoyancy, stability, and seaworthiness. Hulls are typically steel or aluminum, with ballast tanks, watertight compartments, and safety features. Propulsion is usually by engines driving propellers, with some ships retaining sails as auxiliary power. Modern navigation relies on radio, radar, GPS, and automated control systems.

Common types include merchant ships (container ships, bulk carriers, tankers), passenger ships (ferries and cruise ships), and specialized vessels (research, icebreakers, dredges). Naval ships are operated by armed forces and include destroyers, frigates, and aircraft carriers. Each class serves distinct commercial, scientific, or defense purposes.

Regulation and safety are governed by international conventions and flag-state laws. Classification societies set technical standards for construction and maintenance. Environmental and safety concerns drive rules on emissions, ballast water management, and waste handling. Ships underpin global commerce, travel, and security, making them central to modern seafaring.