In the 1840S, the fastest ship in the shipping business was the clipper ship. Long, sleek, and swift, the classic American-built cargo vessel, with its slender, streamlined hull and exceptionally large spread of sail, dominated lucrative maritime trade routes for Chinese tea and other delicacies, holding its own even against early steamers for a time. Now, 150 years later, the fastest ship in the business may be FastShip. Medium size, wide, and swift, the innovative American-built cargo vessel, with its semi-planing hull and powerful turbine-driven waterjets, will try to dominate the lucrative maritime trade routes for high-value, time-sensitive goods, holding its own against jet transport planes and conventional container ships.
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