Part 4/10:
The Advantages of Diesel Over Steam
The early adoption of diesel engines, notably following World War I, was fueled by several key benefits over their steam-powered counterparts. First and foremost, diesel engines offered substantial fuel efficiency gains. Reports indicated they were approximately 40% more efficient, with diesel vessels consuming much less fuel for the same distance traveled.
Moreover, diesel engines did not require large coal bunkers or extensive crew to operate boilers, unlike steamships. This made diesel vessels significantly easier and cheaper to manage. The need for less storage space for fuel enabled ship designers to maximize cargo capacity, making diesel engines especially attractive for commercial shipping.