These nineteenth-century blockships differed from the later sense of a ship deliberately sunk to obstruct a channel. They served as harbour-security ships or floating batteries, with modest machinery and stripped-down arrangements suited to coastal defence. Their guns and limited mobility proved useful in Baltic and Crimean operations despite speeds of only a few knots. The conversion's military value lay in coastal firepower rather than fleet manoeuvre.
Notable Point · 32:35-34:51
Steam blockships as harbour guards and coastal batteries
Converted blockships were low-speed steam vessels used for harbour security and coastal operations rather than fleet manoeuvre.