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Eretza Mendi - Trial


TRIAL TRIP OF THE s.s. ERETZA MENDI.

(Northern) Daily Mail March 1909.

Yesterday, the handsome steel screw steamer, Eretza Mendi built by Messrs. William Gray and Co., Ltd. West Hartlepool, for Messrs. Sota and Aznar, of Bilbao, was taken to sea for her trial trip. The vessel is of the following dimensions,: Length over all, 377ft.; breadth, 50ft. 3in.; and depth, 31ft. 10in.; with bridge, poop, and top-gallant forecastle.

The saloon, staterooms, captain, officers and engineers’ rooms, etc., are fitted up in houses on the bridge deck, and the crew’s berths in the forecastle, while in the poop accommodation is provided for a large number of cadets and a professor of navigation.

Triple-expansion engines have been supplied by the Central Marine Engineering Works of the builders, having cylinders 27in., 43in., and 72in. Diameter, with a piston stroke of 45in., and two large steel boilers for a working pressure of 190lbs. per square inch.

The ship and machinery have been constructed under the superintendence of Mr. Goicochea and Mr. Undabarrena, and these gentlemen witnessed the trial on behalf of the owners; Captain J. E. Murrell represented the shipbuilders, and Mr Wm. Reynard the engine builders.

The vessel was in light ship trim, and averaged a speed of over 12 knots.  Everything worked with the utmost satisfaction on the run to the Tyne, where the vessel takes in her first cargo.

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