A NEW TYPE OF SHIP.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXI, Issue 97, 7 December 1911, Page 6

A NEW TYPE OF SHIP.

THE “!SHERWOOD” PRINCIPLE. Ghent '"ilitfercst was exhibited in the steamer Lord Lonsdale recently in dock at Port Chalmers, as the vessel is constructed on the “Isherwood principle, which is the latest development in the world of modern shipbuilding. In the new method of construction the closely spaced transverse frames and closely spaced transverse beams, hitherto so familiar in shipbuilding, are omitted. 'I he transverse strength bl the vessel is obtained by litting directly on the plating a series of strong trail verse girder frames and beams at widelyspaced intervals. The transverse structures, which extend, where practicable, completely round tbe vessel, are of sufficient strength to stand the whole collective water pressure on tiic skin of the vessel, and the upper portions forming the transverse beams are of such strength as to be able to carry the same collective weight on the * deck as the greater number of tra averse beams fitted in vessels of the old-typo construction. Looking down the .vessel’s hold one of the advantages of the new departure is immediately observed, and that is the entire absence of the numerous stanchions that were hitherto necessary to support the decks, but greatly impeded the handling of cargo. Instead of being placed close together, as in the ordinary ship, this vessel’s frames are 12ft aiiart, and consequently additional Hold space is thus secured. The shell plating between the frames, and also the deck plating, is supported by continuous longitudinals, the frames being slotted to permit of the longitudinal passing through. Naval architects have for so long recognised the great increase in strength obtainable bv thus framing a vessel longitudinally that it is a matter for wonder no system of longitudinal framing has hitherto been arrived at, especially in view of the fact that the advantages obtainable by longitudinal framing were so clearly recognised as desirable. Owing' to the'economy in building materials effected by the new departure, the Lord Lonsdale, which is a steamer of 3893 tons register, had 500 tons less iron Used in her construction titan would have been the case had she been built on the'’ordinary principle. That means the carriage of that amount of additional cargo. Asked by a “Star” reporter as to his opinion of her as a seaworthy vessel, the chief officer said ho ‘was very favourably impress-, ed with the ship! When she was empty the vibration from the engine was far less noticeable"than in the old-type steamer running “light.” and when the" Lord Lonsdale-was loaded no vibration whatever was felt through the ship from the working of the engines.