This was when we used to have grand looking merchantmen under our Lions Gate! mrdot.

Great portrait of one of American Mail Line's combo breakbulk-cellular ships (409 TEU).

The post war US ships were always very heavy on deck, presumably due to the MARAD regulations, however they did have a lot of mechanical help with power slewing guys (vangs in US parlance) and the like. Such mechanical assistance being unheard of in British ships until the WESTMORELAND and her ilk appeared in the late 60s.
The only similarly outfitted British ships were the Blue Flue jobs, and they were real hard work!

...seven sets of derricks on this American beauty - great upload

Quite a remarkable gearing with the Stuelcken HLD located on the aft behind the superstructure...

To President Adams 1978.