In 2022, an old wooden ship was found near Tallinn harbor. The ship dates back to the 14th century. It is called the Lootsi Street ship.
Scientists studied the ship's wood. They found out that the lower part of the ship was made in Lithuania. Oak trees cut down between 1370–1372 were used for this.
The upper parts of the ship were made in 1373–1374. These parts were completed in Estonia. The ship also contained wood that grew near Tallinn.
Frost rings were also found on the ship. These are weak spots in wood. Frost rings form when trees are damaged by cold or injury.
Shipbuilders found a way to use the frost rings. They added reinforcing plates to the ship. This helped prevent the hull from breaking apart.
The ship sank soon after completion. It did not have major repairs. Many rats lived on the ship, indicating it was in use.
The studies were published in the journal Dendrochronologia.