liner LA TOURAINE

Compagnie Générale Transatlantique, 1891 - 1923

Design features

La Touraine (steel mail liner) 1891 - 1923
hull material : ...................steel
previous name(s) of ship : ........
detailed type : ...................steel mail liner
type of propulsion : ..............2 propellers
building year of ship : ...........1890
name of shipyard : ................Compagnie Transatlantique
place of construction : ...........Penhoët
year of entering the fleet : ......1891
length (in meters) : ..............157,45
width (in meters) : ...............17,05
gross tonnage (in tons) : .........7122
deadweight (in tons) : ............3228
type of engine : ..................2 inverted, triple expansion, 3 cylinders
engine power (in HP) : ............12000
nominal speed (in Knots) : ........19

History

On the date of her putting into service, LA TOURAINE was the largest French steamer in tonnage and the fifth in the world. Her dimensions corresponded to the maximum possibilities of Le Havre harbour, constraint which will not disappear before the Thirties. She was also the last steamer of the company to have sails. Entered in service in June 1891 on the line Le Havre-New York. Fastest ship of Transat, she reaches the mean velocity of 21,2 knots in July 1892 during a crossing of the Atlantic in 6 days 17 hours and 30 minutes. Nonofficial record which cannot thus be registered in the prize list of famous blue ribbon. In 1894, carries out the first cruising organized by Transat, a voyage between Constantinople and New York and return (?). Between 1900 and 1902, she is completely reconstructed and modernized. One of her masts is removed. In January 1903, a fire damages a great part of the accomodations for passengers. From 1913, carries out round trips with Canada. In October 1913, come to the help of Italian steamer VOLTURNO on fire in the middle of the Atlantic. Rescues 42 survivors that she disembarks in New York. During the first world war, continues to ensure the service of New York. Is briefly used as auxiliary cruiser. From June to August 1923, is used as floating hotel in Gothenburg, in Sweden during an exhibition fair. At this juncture, is renamed MARITIME and her hull repainted in gray. Demolished in Dunkerque at the end of 1923.