What is the function of a steam condenser in steam propulsion plants?

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In a steam propulsion plant, the exhaust steam from the turbine is still at a high temperature and needs to be removed efficiently to keep the turbine working well. The condenser is a heat exchanger where that exhaust steam is cooled by circulating cooling water. As heat is transferred, the steam condenses back into liquid water (condensate). Keeping the condenser at a low pressure (a vacuum) minimizes the back pressure on the turbine, which lets the turbine extract more work and improves overall efficiency. The condensate is then collected and pumped back to the boiler as feedwater, forming a closed loop and reducing the amount of fresh water the system must supply. In short, the condenser turns exhaust steam into condensate feedwater while maintaining vacuum to boost efficiency and enable condensate return.