Turbine-powered
excusion steamers became popular on the Clyde sailing alongside
paddle steamers and are included in this database as they are an
integral part of the paddle steamer story on the Clyde. It is here
where they
found their first ever commercial application and retained their importance
longest.
TS Queen Mary
(1933, left) was possibly the finest of these vessels, the last
to survive in operation, and still with us as a floating restaurant
at London. Her story is particularly closely followed and her importance
as the last remaining ship of her class in the UK and possibly worldwide
is highlighted
Although steam turbines found great popularity
in the 20th century until the marine diesel came to predominate,
they were found mostly in warships, oil tankers, ocean liners and
short sea ferries. With the exception of some remaining naval vessels,
their time has almost come to an end and it is now looking likely
that new
SOLAS rules due for implementation in
2010 will see the final end of a glorious era of steam-powered travel
for cruise ships.
- - - - - - - - - - - - Click here to go to the
Foundation for Paddle Steamers Worldwide's
associated site : The
Clyde Turbine Steamer Foundation