A MAMMOTH LINER.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXVII, Issue 2, 3 September 1913, Page 6

A MAMMOTH LINER.

THE WHITE STAR CERAMIC

[By Electric Telegraph—-Copyright] [United Press Association.] (Received 9.50 a.rn.) Melbourne, September 3. The White Star’s 15,500-ton steamer, Ceramic, the largest vessel that has ever visited Australia, has arrived. She covered the journey from Adelaide in thirtyS-thrce hours.

The construction of the Ceramic far surpasses anything in size hitherto placed on the Australian berth, and is in keeping with the White Star Line’s record of continued progress and development. ■ The new liner is of tho following dimensions: —Length over ah, 014 ft. Pin.; breadth, extreme, 69ft. sin. ; depth to upper deck, 48ft.; indicated horse-power, 9000; gross tonnage, 18,481. The Ceramic has been built on the latest and most approved principles, with a double bottom extending rigH fore and aft, and with twelve transverse watertight bulkheads carndo to the upper deck. There are seven steel decks. The cargo arangeraents in such a. vessel are, of course, the best for working the ship and cargo. The vessel has the largest capacity for the carriage of meat, fruit, and dairy produce in the Australian trade. The insulated compartments have a total capacity of over 310,000 cubic feet. In addition to the refrigerated space, one. of the holds is also fitted and lined throughout for the carriage of copra. The vessel has four steel masts, and there are twenty-eight tubular steel derricks, three working each hatch, and four on the boat dock for coaling purposes. The dock machinery consists of twenty-nine steam winches, two warping capstans, and steam windlass, and tho steering gear is of Harlar.d and Wolff’s well-known design and manufacture, long recognised ns an element of safety by its reliability in all weathers.

There is accommodation for about 000 passengers ordinarily, with arrangements for a possible extension for a further 220, or a total complement of 820, all in state rooms. With the advent of the Ceramic it lias been decided to provide passengers with afternoon tea, and no doubt this arrangement will he appreciated. Further improvements include an extension of the lavatory accommodation, while it has been arranged for an increased number of stewards to be carried.

As regards speed, her performance on the outward run from Liverpool, lias been eminently satisfactory, a speed of up to 17 knots having been developed.