FOR FRENCH OWNERS.
LAUNCH FROM GRAY’S DOCKYARD.
Northern Daily Mail. 20/6/28.
Messrs. William Gray and Co., Ltd., yesterday launched from their Dockyard the handsome steel screw steamer Strabon, which is being built to the order of Messrs. Cie de Navagtion d’Orbigny, Paris.
The vessel is of the following dimensions: Length overall 412ft. 6in.; breadth, 53ft., depth moulded to upper deck, 27ft. 6 in., with shelter deck and forecastle, and is being built to the highest class in Lloyd’s and to the requirements of French law.
She is constructed on the cellular double bottom principle, with fore and aft peaks, for water ballast, the framing being of the deep channel type, , and has six 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 being berthed in large steel houses alongside casing, and the crew in the poop with separate mess rooms.
THE EQUIPMENT
For the quick handling of cargo, ten powerful steam winches are provided which work ten derricks. A direct-acting steam windlass forward and steam steering gear amidships are also fitted.
The topmasts are telescopic, lowering to a height suitable for the Manchester Canal Bridges.
The vessel will be completed in all respects as a first-class cargo steamer, including an efficient wireless installation and electric light throughout.
Triple-expansion engines having cylinders 26in., 43in., and 71 in. diameter by 48 in. stroke, and three boilers working at a pressure of 180lbs., 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 including an evaporator, general service pump, ballast pump, combined drain and scumming tank, winch condenser, direct feed heater, harbour feed pump, pair of independent singlex feed pumps, and centrifugal pump.
BLESSED BY PRIEST
The ship and machinery are being built under the supervision of Captain Muller, on behalf of the owners, and previous to launching, the vessel was blessed in accordance with the rites of the Roman Catholic Church, by the Very Rev. Canon Wickwar. Father Milroy was also in attendance.
The owners were represented by Capt. Muller, and the builders were represented by Sir William Gray, Bart (chairman), Mr. F. C. Pyman (managing director), Mr. M. S. Gibb and Mr A. McGlashan (directors), Mr. T. S. Simpson (general manager), and Mr. J. Young (yard manager).
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Hartlepool Sports & Leisure
Strabon - Launch
