Archaeologists discover huge Viking ship off the coast of Denmark

Archaeologists in Denmark have discovered a huge Viking ship off the coast of the country.

The medieval cargo ship - also known as a cog - is the largest of its kind ever to be found anywhere in the world.

The ship has been named Svælget 2 after the channel where it was found, and measures nearly 30 metres in length.

Experts think its super size could have helped it carry around 300 tonnes (300,000 kg) of goods.

The ship was discovered by maritime archaeologists from the Viking Ship Museum in Denmark.

It was unearthed in the the strait between Denmark and Sweden, during seabed investigations for Copenhagen's new district, Lynetteholm.

The ship measures 28 metres in length, six metres in height and nine metres wide - making it the world's largest cog ever found.

Experts have dated the ship back to the year 1410 and believe it was built in the Netherlands, with wood from the ares which is now modern-day Poland.

Archaeologists say the wreck is also extremely well preserved.

It was excavated at a depth of 13 metres, where it has been protected by sand and shielded from forces that normally destroy ships near the coast.

Researchers say its good condition gives a unique opportunity to study details of its build and understand the complexity of medieval sailing ships.

Otto Uldum, maritime archaeologist and excavation leader, described the find as a "milestone" for experts.

He explained: "It is the largest cog we know of, and it gives us a unique opportunity to understand both the construction and life on board the biggest trading ships of the Middle Ages."

It's thought that the cog was used to trade everyday goods.

"Shipbuilders went as big as possible to transport bulky cargo - salt, timber, bricks or basic food items," Mr Uldum added.

Experts say that its vast size could help provide new information into the maritime technology and medieval trade networks that existed at that time across Northern Europe.