Discover RMS Campania Ship Details and History

Author

Reads 4.8K

A rusty shipwreck lies abandoned on a secluded beach surrounded by towering cliffs.
Credit: pexels.com, A rusty shipwreck lies abandoned on a secluded beach surrounded by towering cliffs.

The RMS Campania was a British passenger liner that served as a troop ship during World War I.

Built by the Harland and Wolff shipyard in Belfast, the Campania was launched in 1893 and was one of the largest ships of its time, measuring over 700 feet in length.

The ship had a gross tonnage of 12,125 tons and a top speed of 19 knots, making it a formidable vessel in its era.

The Campania was designed to carry over 1,000 passengers and had a crew of around 400.

Ship Details

The RMS Campania was a British-built passenger ship that was launched in 1893.

It was designed to be a luxurious and comfortable vessel, with accommodations for over 1,800 passengers.

The ship was 720 feet long, making it one of the largest ships of its time.

It had a gross tonnage of 14,190 tons.

The Campania was powered by a combination of steam engines and a single screw propeller.

Operations

Credit: youtube.com, From Atlantic to Titanic | The Evolution of Ocean Liners Documentary Part 1

RMS Campania's operations were a testament to its impressive size and capacity. It had a gross tonnage of 12,000 tons and a length of 640 feet.

The ship's massive size allowed it to carry over 1,000 passengers and 500 tons of cargo. This made it a vital link in the shipping industry, connecting the UK to the Mediterranean.

Campania's operations were also marked by its speed, with a top speed of 19 knots, allowing it to complete transatlantic crossings in a relatively short time.

Route Maps, Track Charts, Log Abstract

Route Maps, Track Charts, and Log Abstracts were essential tools for Cunard Line ships, including the RMS Campania. These navigation aids helped prevent collisions by specifying courses according to the seasons of the year.

The Cunard Atlantic Ocean Track Chart, 1895, included outward and homeward distances, as well as a notice about taking specified courses to minimize the chances of collision. This chart was featured on the back cover of a Saloon Class Passenger List from the RMS Campania dated 18 May 1895.

A large cruise ship gliding through clear blue ocean waters on a sunny day.
Credit: pexels.com, A large cruise ship gliding through clear blue ocean waters on a sunny day.

Cunard Line ships, such as the RMS Campania, used these track charts to navigate the Atlantic Ocean. The track charts were updated regularly to reflect changes in shipping lanes and weather patterns.

Here are some examples of Cunard Line track charts and log abstracts:

  • Cunard Track Chart of the Atlantic with Outward and Homebound Distances and a Notice: With a View of Diminishing the Chances of Collision, Steamers of this Line Take Specified Courses According to the Seasons of the Year.
  • Cunard Atlantic Ocean Track Chart, 1895.
  • Track Chart on the Back Cover of a Cunard Line RMS Campania Saloon Passenger List from 7 May 1898.
  • Track Chart from a Saloon Passenger List for the RMS Campania of the Cunard Line, Departing Saturday, 23 September 1899 from Liverpool to New York.
  • Cunard Transatlantic Track Chart, 1901.

These track charts and log abstracts were not only used for navigation but also provided valuable information to passengers about the ship's route and schedule.

Sailing Schedules

The Cunard Line's sailing schedules were quite extensive, with the RMS Campania making multiple trips between Liverpool and New York in 1895 alone.

The ship departed from Liverpool on May 18, 1895, and sailed to New York, while its return journey started on June 29, 1895, from New York to Liverpool via Queenstown. The exact route changed slightly on the ship's third departure on August 31, 1895, when it sailed from New York to Liverpool via Queenstown (Cobh).

Some notable passengers traveled on the Campania in 1898, including Charles Scribner II, George Percival Scriven, and Herbert Mason Sears, who boarded the ship on May 7, 1898.

Ownership and History

Credit: youtube.com, Cunard's Luxurious RMS Campania and RMS Lucania

The RMS Campania had a long and storied history, beginning with its construction by Fairfield Shipbuilding & Engineering Co. in Govan, Glasgow, Scotland.

It was launched on September 8, 1892, and was the first twin-screw Cunarder.

The Campania was a massive ship, measuring 598' x 65' and displacing 21,000 tons. From the keel to the top of the funnels measured 130 feet, with a diameter of 19 feet.

The Campania was a speed demon, capable of reaching 22 knots with its twin-screw propulsion system. It consumed 20 1/2 tons of coal per hour to achieve this speed.

After its maiden voyage from Liverpool to New York on April 22, 1893, the Campania set a trans-Atlantic speed record of 5 days, 17 hours, and 27 minutes on its return trip.

The Campania was sold to shipbreakers in 1914, but was resold to the British Admiralty and converted into an aircraft carrier.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened to the RMS Campania?

The RMS Campania was converted into a seaplane tender in 1914, but ultimately sank in the Firth of Forth in 1918 after a collision with other ships.

Felicia Larson

Writer

Felicia Larson is a seasoned writer with a keen eye for detail and a passion for logistics. Her work focuses on the intricate world of shipping companies, where she delves into the complexities of global logistics and supply chain management. Through her articles, she aims to provide readers with a comprehensive understanding of the industry, from the latest technological advancements to the challenges faced by shipping companies.

Love What You Read? Stay Updated!

Join our community for insights, tips, and more.