Whalebacks
Whalebacks are a type of cargo steamship characterized by a hull design that features a rounded, hump-like appearance resembling the back of a whale. These ships were developed in the late 19th century for transporting bulk cargo such as grain, iron ore, and coal. The unique shape of whalebacks allowed for increased storage capacity and improved stability in rough seas. Despite their innovative design, whalebacks eventually fell out of favor due to limitations in cargo handling and loading efficiency.