The book surveys the world of British shipping and its far-reaching effects on global trade.
It explains how speed, size, and efficiency shape the design of modern liners and the costs of transportation for passengers and cargo alike.
Readers will see how technological advances—from early compound engines to triple- and quadruple-expansion designs, and the rise of turbine propulsion—have transformed the sea lanes. It also considers laws, safety standards, and international competition that influence where ships sail and how they are built.
- How speed and fuel use affect the economics of passenger liners versus cargo ships.
- The evolution of ship propulsion, from steam engines to turbine and potential internal combustion engines.
- How the law of the sea, loadlines, and international agreements shape maritime trade.
- The strategic impact of canals like Suez and Panama on global shipping and national economies.
Ideal for readers of economic history and maritime policy who want a clear view of how British shipping has shaped world markets.