Stigstad Voyage History

This section will, in time, contain the stories of more than 450 merchant ships built or owned in the Hartlepools, and which were lost during the First World War. As an illustration of the truly global nature of shipbuilding, these ships were owned by companies from 22 different countries, including more than 30 sailing under the German flag at the outbreak of war.

PATENT SIDE TANK STEAMER

TRIAL TRIP OF THE s.s. STIGSTAD.

Daily Mail, 3rd October 1908.

The handsome steel screw steamer Stigstad, built by Messers. W. Gray and Co., West Hartlepool, to the order of Messers. A.F. Klaveness and Co., of Christiania,. Was taken out on Thursday on her trial, when a speed of over 11 1/2 knots was attained.

This vessel is of particular interest to ship owners, owing to her being fitted with McGlashan’s patent side tank arrangement, which may briefly be described as an inner shell fitted inside, and about 2’6” from the skin of the ship, and extending from the boiler room to the collision bulkhead length of about 266 ft. This not only forms water ballast tanks along the sides of the vessel, which may be used for quick trimming, but adds considerably to the strength and safety of the vessel.

Another feature of interest to ship owners is the large clear holds, clear of obstructions made possible by the side tank arrangement of construction which are particularly adapted for use when grabs are used for discharging the vessel.

The side and bottom tanks have a capacity of over 2800.tons of water ballast. Of this quantity about 900 tons can be run out, whilst the remainder is being pumped out by the two powerful pumps fitted in the engine room. The whole of the water ballast tanks may be emptied in five hours.

The vessel has been built to the highest class in Lloyd’s and Norske Veritas, and is of the following dimensions: Length overall, 375 ft,; breadth,52. ft 3in.;and depth, 29ft. 2in. She is specially designed for the owners’ coal and general trade.

For rapidity in discharging the vessel, eleven powerful steam winches, ten derrick posts, twenty derricks, and strong derrick gear are fitted. Steam steering gear, and hand-screw gear aft, patent direct steam windlass, signal post mast, and a complete outfit for a first-class cargo steamer are also provided.

The machinery consists of a set of triple expansion engines, with cylinders 26in., 42in., and 70 in. Diameter, with a piston stroke of 48 in., and three large main boilers adjusted to work at a pressure of ***lbs. Per square inch, fitted with Howden’s forced draught arrangement, all made at the Central Marine Engine Works of the builders.

On the trial trip the owners were represented by Mr Klaveness, Captain Raastad, and Mr Nicol, superintendent engineer, Messers. Olaf **rneson and  S.J. Schjelderup represented the Norsk Veritas, Captain J.E. ***urrel the ship builders, and Mr. Maurice S. Gibb the engine builders.