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[Ghost in the shell]

thanks and back on the rails. :)

[Bryan Young]

Curently in the US Diesel Fuel is about $600.00 per MT and heavy fuel is $350.00 per MT.

I can assure you it won't be diesel they'll be burning!!

Hi,again.
In the not too far distant past the RN and RFA were all converted to diesel (including the turbine ships). "Heavy" oil to the unitiated means (to me) FFO (Furnace Fuel Oil) and is of a surprisingly low viscosity...nothing like the crude you may be imagining. There must have been some reason for this and not (obviously) an economical one. Perhaps it has something to do with the fact that just about every engine (including gas turbines, at a pinch) can run on diesel? (not talking about petrol cars here!), but I was always a bit curious about the changeover. Any thoughts? BY.

[Bryan Young]

And how about some of the Grace Line or Moore McCormack ships of the 50's. No photos here, but a look on SN should find some.
Andy

Come on!
There was no shipping line more inaptly named than the "Grace Line". The interiors were even worse than the outside due to the US authorities not liking anything that could burn. Also, if I remember correctly, all US ships were (and possibly still are) built to be incorporated into the USN in the event of defence requirements. The US Merchant Marine is quite unique within global Mercantile shipping. It also explains why the US Merchant Fleet is so small for such a large country. I guess (no proof) that most of the US coastal traffic is carried by US registered ships...but I would state with some degree of confidence that a huge proportion of Panamanian and Liberian vessels are American owned. The reasons are obvious!. BY.

[Mackenzie]

Brian
You ae correct the RN changed to one fuel, diesel due to fact most ships were to be Gas turbine powered.
I think the Britannia was the last ship in commison to be coverted in mid 80,s

regards

Jim

[tigertiger]

I always like the Duke of Lancaster.

She was anchored of Mostyn Dock in the late 70s (I think) as a 'fun ship' I believe she is now rotting.

Here are some pics form the bbc website.
One by Gary Woolton (whoever you are), and one of the DoL on her sea trails.


and a blog from some naughty boys who got on board recently, it has some great pics.
http://www.28dayslater.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=18739

[tigertiger]

And just about in service, the Lady of Mann 2, built in 1975. Sold in 2005 to sail in Greece.

Not the best looking, but she had style.

[Ghost in the shell]

dunno about that tiggs, I think that lady of mann is actually quite nice looking :)

[Bryan Young]

Brian
You ae correct the RN changed to one fuel, diesel due to fact most ships were to be Gas turbine powered.
I think the Britannia was the last ship in commison to be coverted in mid 80,s

regards

Jim

Nice thoughts but not the way I read it.
"Britannia" was (I agree) a heavy oil burner...but she was only one of many. Her big problem was the antiquated sewage system (as with so many "liners" nowadays) whereby raw sewage was just pumped into the sea. A beautiful ship and a shame to see it go, but she really did belong to a different era. However, to get back on track, I think the last ships to use FFO were the ships that delivered it! Namely the "Olmeda" class of replenishment ships. By the time the "Ols" were taken out of service all the tanks were either deisel or avcat.
Sensible I suppose as we used to refuel ships of all nations (if they could pay for it!...and some would'nt). Better minds than mine will tell you why gas-turbines are not the "be all and end all" for ship propulsion, but they are horrendous fuel users and that can lead to stability problems and so they need re-fuelling more often. Bad news if there is not a floating petrol staion within range! Bu that is all another story. BY