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Motor ship

technology Maturity 11-13 Next article →

A motor ship is a special kind of water craft. It moves using an internal combustion engine. Most of these ships use a diesel engine to work. People often use short prefixes to name them. You might see MS, M/S, MV, or M/V before a name.

MV American Tern (T-AK-4729) 200601
MV American Tern (T-AK-4729) 200601

These names help people know the ship uses a motor. It is a very useful way to move across the water.

How does the motor ship work? It uses an internal combustion engine to create power. This engine burns fuel inside itself to make the ship move. Most motor ships rely on diesel for this task. The engine turns and pushes the ship through the waves. This way of moving changed how people traveled by sea.

Круизные корабли на Волге
Круизные корабли на Волге

It makes travel much more direct and steady.

Engine makers began to build these engines in the 1890s. By the early 20th century, they were crossing the oceans. The first diesel-powered motorships launched in 1903. One was a Russian ship with diesel-electric transmission. Another was the French ship named Petite-Pierre. Experts do not always agree on which was first.

MV American Tern (T-AK-4729) 200601
MV American Tern (T-AK-4729) 200601

Both were very important for early sea travel.

Naming these craft can be a bit tricky. In the British Realm, size often tells you the name. Very large ocean craft are called ships. Very small craft are called boats. Middle-sized craft are often called vessels.

Круизные корабли на Волге
Круизные корабли на Волге

This helps people understand the size of the craft. It is a common way to group them together.

The Royal Navy has its own way of naming. They use names based on the job the craft does. For example, they might use Admiralty Trawlers or Admiralty tugs. Some small craft are called Motor Torpedo Boats or MTB. Others are called Motor Gun Boats or MGB.

MV American Tern (T-AK-4729) 200601
MV American Tern (T-AK-4729) 200601

These names tell you if the craft is for work or war. It is all about the job they do on the water.

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File:MV American Tern (T-AK-4729) 200601.jpg
MV American Tern (T-AK-4729) 200601.jpg
File:Круизные корабли на Волге.jpg
Круизные корабли на Волге.jpg
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