Q&A · 2:34:17-2:35:09

How early did combined ship propulsion appear?

Some combined diesel-and-steam ships may have operated during the First World War; neither the first vessel nor the terminology is established here.

Diesel Engines Ship Propulsion Steam Propulsion World War I

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Question

What was the first ship to use a combined propulsion system?

Short answer

The exact first ship was not identified, but some diesel-and-steam ships appear to have existed by the First World War.

Notes

Early combined diesel-or-steam arrangements may have been described as CODOS, but the terminology and priority remain obscure and need checking. The First World War is a plausible period, although no specific first ship can be named from this exchange.