Margam Abbey - Launch

S.S. Margam Abbey.

Northern Daily Mail. 13/2/30

                                            THE LAUNCH

On arrival at the dockyard, the Mayor’s party were received by Sir Wm Gray, Bart., Mr Maurice Gibb, Mr. A. McGlashan, and Mr T. S. Simpson (general manager). They then proceeded to the building berth of the s.s. Margam Abbey, where they were joined by Lady Gray and Mrs. Frederick Jones, wife of Mr. Frederick Jones, under whose supervision the ship had been built.

A large platform had been erected at the vessels prow, and, photographs having been taken, the christening ceremony was performed by Mrs. Jones. The sound of the last chocks being knocked out came from beneath the vessel, and, almost imperceptibly, she commenced to glide down the ways, gathering speed as she went.

Hats were raised, and cheers were raised by the large crowd that filled the platform and occupied other points of vantage in the vicinity; and the vessel, as she finally left the ways and her bows took the water, dipped her prow as if in a curtsy of acknowledgement.

Then came the rattle of the dragging cables and chains on each side of the ways, and the tall and stately ship gradually came to rest amid the still agitated waters of the dock.

                                  AT THE CENTRAL MARINE ENGINE WORKS.

Following the launch, the party went by steam tug to the Central Shipyard, and hence to the Central marine Engine Works. Here they were split up into sections. Mr Maurice Gibb, Mr A. C. Waddy, Mr W. W. Cole, Mr. W. Hird and Mr. J. R. Cranston each took charge of one of these sections, and guided the visitors through the various departments of the large works.

In the erecting shop the party saw two sets of high powered quadruple engines and a set of triple expansion engines, and in the boiler shop a set of high pressure boilers. A good deal of interest was evinced in the work of two heavy steam hammers in the forge which were engaged in hammering out large stern and rudder frames.

Finally the party assembled in the canteen, where tea was served.

                                               DESCRIPTION OF VESSEL

The Margam Abbey, which is being built to the order of Messrs. Frederick Jones and Co. Cardiff, will take the highest class in Lloyd’s Register, and is of the following dimensions: Length overall 315ft. 8in., breadth, 44ft., depth moulded to upper deck, 23ft. 2in., with poop, bridge, and forecastle.

She is constructed on the cellular double bottom principle, with fore and aft peaks, for water ballast, the framing being of the deep bulb angles type. She has five watertight bulkheads.

Spacious accommodation for the officers is arranged in a steel house amidships. The engineers will be berthed in large steel houses alongside the casing and the crew in cubicles in the forecastle.

For the quick handling of cargo, six powerful steam winches are provided, which work five 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 Ship Canal Bridges.

                                           FIRST-CLASS CARGO BOAT

The Margam Abbey will be completed in all respects as a first-class cargo steamer, her equipment including an efficient wireless installation with direction finder, and electric light throughout.

Triple-expansion engines having cylinders 21 ½ -36 -60 inches diameter by 39 inches stroke, and two natural draught boilers working at a pressure of 180lbs. 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 also be installed, including live steam surface feed water heater, evaporator, duplex general service and ballast pumps, and combined drain and scumming tank.



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