The Superintendent Ship: SS United States and Its Manned Speed Record

The SS United States, an ocean liner designed for transatlantic travel, achieved a remarkable speed during its maiden voyage in 1952, reaching a top speed of 45 knots (approximately 52 mph or 83 km/h). This speed made it the fastest passenger ship to cross the Atlantic Ocean, earning the Blue Riband award for many years. Let's delve into the remarkable journey of this superlinier and explore the historical context and implications of its speed record.

Historical Background and Design

The SS United States, designed by William Francis Gibbs and built by the Harland Wolff shipyard in Belfast, was conceived as a fast and luxurious transatlantic liner. The ship's sleek design and powerful engines were key components that allowed it to achieve such high speeds. This design was essential for crossing the Atlantic faster than ever before, significantly reducing travel time for passengers.

The Speed Record and the Blue Riband

The speed in knots claimed during the attempt to take the Blue Riband from the QE2 was indeed 45 knots. However, it was noted that in reality, the speed was slightly less than this value. During its maiden voyage, the SS United States reached a speed just under 45 knots, primarily during sea trials in May 1952. The ship was able to break the Atlantic speed record both East and West bound for its maiden crossing, albeit not exactly at 45 knots.

Observations and Experiences

As someone who witnessed the SS United States sailing through the Solent Channel between the Isle of Wight, Portsmouth, and Southampton, the experience was far from routine. The ship's speed and the bow wave it created were so powerful that they stripped away a significant amount of paint from the hull, revealing the undercoat. The captain of the SS United States mentioned that although the crossing was a momentous event, the ship was under stress during the latter part of the journey and he would not like to repeat such high speeds in the future.

Commercial usage of such high speeds presented challenges, particularly in terms of passenger comfort. High speeds led to substantial noise from the propellers, making the tourist class cabins located aft of the ship uncomfortable for passengers. Therefore, while the technical feats achieved by the SS United States in its trials were noteworthy, they were not entirely practical for commercial service.

Conclusion and Legacy

Despite the challenges faced by the SS United States during commercial service, its legacy as the fastest transatlantic liner remains a testament to the ingenuity and engineering prowess of the early 20th century. The historical significance of its speed record and the Blue Riband award continue to make the SS United States a beloved and celebrated ship in maritime history. Today, although the ship is no longer in service, its story and legacy live on as a reminder of the race to build the fastest and most luxurious ocean liners.