Steamship
Not to be confused with Steamboat. Engraving of the elevation plan and section of a steam-boat, 1827 A steamship , often referred to as a steamer , is a type of steam powered vessel, typically ocean-faring and seaworthy, that is propelled by one or more steam engines [1] that typically move (turn) propellers or paddlewheels. The first steamships came into practical usage during the early 1800s; however, there were exceptions that came before. Steamships usually use the prefix designations of "PS" for paddle steamer or "SS" for screw steamer (using a propeller or screw). As paddle steamers became less common, "SS" is assumed by many to stand for "steam ship". Ships powered by internal combustion engines use a prefix such as "MV" for motor vessel , so it is not correct to use "SS" for most modern vessels. As steamships were less dependent on wind patterns, new trade routes opened up. The steamship has been describe...