Sir Charles Parsons: Development of the marine steam turbine and SY Turbinia, and some subsequent late Victorian and Edwardian naval and merchant ships
- 09 October 2025, Thursday
- 5:30 - 6:30 pm (UK Time)
- The Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology
1 Birdcage Walk, London SW1H 9JJ
Abstract
In 1894 the Hon Sir Charles Algernon Parsons OM KCB FRS MA DSc LLD, one of Tyneside’s most famous engineers, filed his patents for the marine steam turbine. As part of his development strategy, he also designed, constructed, launched and trialled in 1894 the 100-foot-long Steam Yacht Turbinia. Over the next decade the marine steam turbine revolutionised naval and merchant ship propulsion and was the predominant prime mover for most of the next century.
131 years later, this presentation will discuss Sir Charles’ early career, his development on Tyneside of steam turbine technology and the subsequently the marine steam turbine, and also his design of the of the revolutionary and record breaking first-ever turbine steamer SY Turbinia which was built on the River Tyne. It will also illustrate the rapid early adoption of the steam turbine for propulsion by both navies and the merchant marine up to the completion only 13 years later in 1907 of her direct descendant Cunard’s famous steam turbine propelled Blue Riband transatlantic liner RMS Mauretania by Swan Hunter and Wigham Richardson also at Wallsend on the River Tyne.
Finally, the modelling of both ships on the Ship Simulator at South Shields Marine School will also be briefly described.
This event is organised by IMarEST’s South East England & London Home Counties Branch. For more information or to register, visit the Institute of Marine, Engineering, Science and Technology (ImarEST) website.
