Somersby - Launch

NEW STEAMER

DETAILS OF ROPNER FLEET ADDITION

Northern Daily Mail 11/09/1930
      
On Wednesday, September 10, 1930, Messrs. William Gray and Co., Ltd., launched from their dockyard, West Hartlepool, the steel screw steamer Somersby which is being built to the order of The Ropner Shipping Co., Ltd., Sir R. Ropner and Co., Ltd., managers West Hartlepool.
    
The vessel, will take the highest class in British Corporation Register of Shipping, and is of the following dimensions :-  Length over all, 434ft. 4in.,  breadth, 54ft 3in.,  depth moulded to the upper  deck, 30ft 1in, with long bridge, poop, and forecastle.
      
Constructed on the cellular double bottom principle with fore and after peaks for water ballast, the framing being of the deep channel type, she has eight watertight bulkheads together with a steel centre line bulkhead and wood shifting boards dividing the holds for grain carrying.
    
Spacious accommodation for the officers is arranged in a steel house amidships. The engineers will be berthed in large steel houses alongside casing, and the crew in cubicles in the poop with separate messrooms.
    
For the quick handling of cargo ten powerful steam winches are provided which work 12 derricks. A direct acting steam windlass forward and steam steering gear amidships are also fitted.
      
The masts are telescopic, lowering to a height suitable for the Manchester Ship Canal bridges.
    
The Somersby will be completed in all respects as a first-class cargo steamer, her equipment including an efficient wireless installation, and electric light throughout.

                                           THE ENGINES
    
Triple-expansion engines are being supplied by the Central Marine Engineering Works of the builders, having cylinders 26 – 43 ½ - 73 inches diameter, by 48 inches stroke and three large natural draught boilers working at a pressure of 200lbs. per square inch, will be supplied by the Central Marine Engineering Works of the builders.
       
A number of auxiliaries of the “C.M.E.W.” type will be installed.
    
The ship and machinery are being built under the supervision of Mr. J. B. Nicol on behalf of the owners, and the ceremony of naming the steamer Somersby was performed by Mrs. Ronald Stroyan, of St. Georges Hill, Weybridge.
    
The owners were represented at the launch by Sir John Ropner, Bt., Mr. J.R. Ropner, and Mr T. Barker (directors), and the builders by Mr. F.C. Pyman (managing director) and Mr. J. Nelson (yard manager)    
      
Amongst those also present were Mrs. J.R. Ropner and Mrs. Waddy, Miss H. Taylor Smith, Mrs. W.G. Ropner, Mrs. F.C. Pyman, Miss Dobson, Miss Margaret Barker, Miss Moorhouse (Huddersfield) and Mr. W.H. Stephenson (of British Corporation Register of Shipping).

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