Diversity of ships

The variety of ships and boats Discover why there have been so many different types over the ages, and learn about the great diversity of ships today. Find out why the different types of ships evolved, how they became important and, in many cases, extinct.

What drives the ship? The evolution in propulsion, from paddles, oars and wind to steam and most recently diesel, has seen many inventions and innovations. Discover the different ways of driving ships, how they evolved and, in some cases, died out.

Ships from ancient times Access the latest thinking on the first water craft. See how craft evolved, through the use of trees, reeds, and hides to the ships of the middle ages that could sail around the world

The great age of sail Learn how the sailing ship was refined to become one of the finest machines ever built, and how it helped establish world trade as we know it today. Find out why there were so many different rigs and what each of them was best suited to do.

Ships in the steam age Discover how steam gradually took over from sail. Learn why different types of steamships evolved for different trades, and how steam and later diesel engines allowed highly specialised ship types to develop

Ships of today Discover why today there are more different types of ships than there have ever been. Find out how each type contributes to carrying the world's trade in ways that are more efficient than those that have gone before.