Fluyt ship design

The Fluyt was a Dutch cargo ship from the 16th and 17th centuries designed for efficient long-distance trade. Its hull was broader and flatter, maximizing cargo space while reducing crew needed, which lowered costs. The ship's slender, shallow draft allowed navigation into shallower ports, expanding trading options. Its design also featured a high superstructure to carry more cargo and improve stability. These features made the Fluyt economical, reliable, and capable of carrying large loads over long routes, helping the Dutch establish extensive maritime trade networks during the Age of Exploration.