Who is credited with the invention of the propeller for ships?

John Ericsson is credited with the invention of the screw propeller, which was a significant advancement in ship propulsion technology. His design included a rotating screw mechanism that efficiently converts rotational motion into thrust, improving ship speed and maneuverability. Ericsson's propeller design was a departure from traditional paddle wheels and provided greater efficiency in various marine applications.

While Robert Fulton is known for developing the first commercially successful steamboat, and Henry Giffard made contributions to the use of steam power in propulsion, it was Ericsson's screw propeller that became a foundational element in naval architecture and marine engineering. Richard Trevithick, on the other hand, is famous for his work on steam engines but did not directly contribute to ship propeller technology. Thus, Ericsson's contribution remains pivotal in the evolution of maritime engineering.