The first ship was probably nothing more than a log used to cross a stream. That journey may have taken place 15,000 or more years ago and it was to be repeated many times in the centuries that followed. At some stage, two or more logs were fastened together to form a raft. A log was hollowed out to form a boat and paddles and oars were invented to propel it.

By the end of 19th century, steel was being used instead of wood for some ships, but the change was gradual. Steam was used at sea for the first time in the early 19th century, but did not become widespread for several decades. Coal costs money, while the wind is free. And coal also took up space that could otherwise be used for cargo.

The title is significant, because it was almost the first time in shipping that the protection of human life rather than property was made a priority. The increasingly sophisticated demands of a rapidly evolving world led to numerous new ship designs being introduced. Booming demand for motor vehicles led to the construction of specialized car carriers. The manufacture and export of petroleum products led to the construction of specialized product tankers. Petroleum and natural gas had at first been regarded as a waste product of the oil industry. Technological advances enabled the gases to be converted into liquids (by freezing) and then transported in special ships. To handle these new ships, new ports had to be constructed. Tankers, bulk carriers and even container ships were too large for the traditional, city-centre ports.

Perhaps the greatest achievement of the international shipping community over the last half-century has been its ability to absorb the impact of change without compromising safety. An industry which had always been conservative and reluctant to embrace new ideas managed to cope with political and technical developments which could have led to different groups being formed, each with conflicting and even contradictory views about safety and environmental protection.

It is difficult to see how ships will ever be replaced in many trades. Instead, it is likely to become more and more attractive to cargo interests as quality improves and technology advances. The growing internationalization of the industry will ensure that competition remains fierce, encouraging still further improvements as ship owners seek to gain an advantage over their rivals.