Song Dynasty Seagoing Ships (Fuchuan)

Timeline

1. 960–1127Coastal shipyards of Fujian · FujianDuring the Northern Song, large-scale shipbuilding industries developed along the coasts of Fujian and Zhejiang; the fuchuan type was renowned for its watertight bulkheads, deep draft, and sturdy keel, laying the foundation for subsequent ocean-going trade vessels.
2. 1127–1140Quanzhou port and Maritime Trade Office · QuanzhouAfter the Southern Song moved its capital southeast, seagoing ships carried porcelain, silk, spices, and other cargo on long voyages, with Quanzhou becoming an important port of departure; during the Shaoxing era (including 1131–1140), Maritime Trade Office revenues and the number of departing ships continued to grow.
3. 1200–1279Southeast Asian and Indian Ocean routes · Malay PeninsulaSong dynasty seagoing ships sailed to Champa, Srivijaya, the west coast of India, and other destinations; shipbuilding technologies such as watertight bulkheads spread by sea, influencing later East and Southeast Asian shipbuilding traditions.