Large junks (an oriental type of boat) are a significant part of the sea-going heritage of Singapore. The first large oriental junks capable of travelling on the ocean appeared around 450 A.D. These huge boats were known as Bull-Headed Ships and the largest was able to carry up to 180 tons of cargo. These enormous boats eventually evolved into the Jiansgu Trader. These junks were frequently seen until the later 1930s and have now vanished.
Length around 80 to 170 feet, beam around 30 feet, depth around 14 feet, load-carrying capacity 180 (240 to 360) tons, five masts with nine sails, crew 20 to 30 men. Starting from 13th Century China began to build large sea junks for the trade with other countries.
At the stern of the ships the home port was up-painted in Chinese characters. Additionally an Arab number was added. It was practically a customs number and refers already to European influence.
The Jiangsu Trader was an extremely strong and well-built boat. It had a barrel-shaped hull, which was flat bottomed, and a narrow deck. The ship's strength came from fourteen hardwood bulkheads and timbers across the bottom securely fastened to the side members. This exceptional vessel was designed with a high, flaring bow or bluff so that as long as it is kept facing into the sea, the junk could weather virtually any storm.
Another interesting feature of this oriental sailing ship was its position of sailing masts. Five masts were staggered down the length of the ship the small sails positioned at the ends of the boat and the larger sails in the middle. It is said that the staggered sailing masts were designed like the sticks of a half-opened fan to better capture the wind.
Today, the Jiangsu Trader Junk no longer sails the seas but a smaller variety known as the Sha-chúan is still used in Singapore as a sturdy and reliable cargo ship.
Singapore, 1980, S.G.?, Scott; 344.
Source: Various Web sites.