††††Ferries take people and goods on regular trips across a stretch of water. Large ferries carry cars, lorries and trains, as well as people.
The history of ferries parallels the history of ships generally. The first ferries were probably dug-out canoes or reed boats, propelled by oars or paddles, to carry one or two passengers across a narrow stretch of water. For thousands of years, sails were used to catch the wind and push the ferry boat forward, then at the end of the 18th century came the first ferry ships powered by steam, followed later by the diesel engine.
During the 20th century, ferries have faced a great deal of competition from aircraft. In order to compete, ferries have had to become faster and to load and unload more quickly.
