How much did the change from coal to oil alter the organisation of imperial naval infrastructure?
Short answerIt allowed fuel stations to be farther apart and encouraged conversion to oil storage, but coal ports remained relevant for merchant shipping.
NotesThe propulsion transition altered the network without erasing it. Oil's greater endurance allowed naval fuel stations to be spaced farther apart. Major coaling stations could be converted to oil storage. Continuing coal-fired commercial traffic nevertheless preserved many established ports as useful stopping points.