Ocean Queen - Launch

LAUNCH AT WEST HARTLEPOOL

Daily Mail, December 9th 1908.

Yesterday, Messrs. William Gray and Co., Limited launched the handsome steel screw steamer “Ocean Queen”, which they built to the order of Mr. Jacob Christiansen, of Bergen. The vessel will have a Board of Trade passenger certificate, and takes the highest class in Lloyd’s. Her dimensions are: Length over all, 356ft.; breadth, 43ft 6in.; and dept, 26ft.1in.

She is a flush deck vessel, with, topgallant forecastle, clipper stem, and short bowsprit, and is schooner rigged with two masts.

There is a handsome dining saloon in house on the promenade deck, with large sky light, sideboard, piano, etc. There is also accommodation for a large number of first and second-class passengers in houses on the spar deck, for the officers and engineers in houses alongside the casing, and for the crew aft in a large house and in ‘tween decks. There is a very efficient installation of electric lighting, electric bells, refrigerating machinery, and cold chambers, and the ventilation has received some very careful attention to suit the tropics.

The hull is built with deep bulb-angle frames, five watertight bulkheads, ’tween decks all fore and aft, cellular double bottom and after peak tank for water ballast.

There are large hatchways and eight steam winches, while the masts have derrick tables and outriggers. Steam steering gear also hand gear, will be fitted in the deck house aft, patent direct steam windlass, five lifeboats, motor launch stockless anchors, and large whaler-type winch of special design to lift 45 tons, and a complete outfit will be provided for a first-class passenger and cargo steamer.

The engines are of the triple expansion type, manufactured by the Central Marine Engineering Works of the builders, and have cylinders, 24in., 38in., and 64in. Diameter by 42in stroke. Steam is generated by two large main boilers and one auxiliary boiler, all adapted for 180 lbs. Per square inch. Included in the inventory is a liberal supply of spars, gear and outfit.

The vessel and machinery have been built under the superintendence of Captain Olaf Johnnessen and Mr. P. Bahnsen on behalf of the owner, and the ceremony of naming the steamer Ocean Queen was gracefully performed by Miss Arundel, of Kensington.

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