Waterford’s Neptune Shipyard opened in February 1843 as a repair yard for the growing number of iron hulled steamers of the Malcomson fleet. The quaker family had started out in the milling business in Clonmel before branching out into textiles in Portlaw and shipping. By 1846 the skill and the confidence of the fledgling business had grown, despite the existence of famine in the country. In August of that year they launched what was at the time Ireland’s largest screw propulsion ship, the SS Neptune at 172ft in length and 326 tons[i]. The ship would go on to create quite a stir before an untimely end. As such it’s a perfect metaphor for the family itself.
“On Saturday the city was all bustle and anxiety, preparing for the gay and rare event, viz: the launch of an iron
steamer (on the screw principal), the first built in our port and the largest yet constructed in Ireland. The vessel presents the very beau ideal of perfection …the thousands who came in from Tramore, Dunmore, Ross etc and indeed from the entire adjacent districts, proved the deep interest felt by all classes…and evinced most emphatically that our citizens are neither wanting in capital, enterprise or judgement. Long before six o clock vast crowds of people began to assemble, some betaking themselves of short excursions on the river, some taking up a select position on Cromwells Rock, (Ferrybank side) and others resorting to the extensive yards of the Foundry…
Our river, never surpassed in beauty, was thickly covered in shipping of all sorts, and from her majesty’s steam ship
Lucifer[iii] down to the humble cot all bedecked on their gayest colours, which were fluttering in the breeze and the delightful panoramic scene on the opposite shore can only be appreciated by those who had the happiness of witnessing it…
 |
| SS Neptune. Illustrated London News. Andy Kelly collection |
At six o clock all was intense anxiety, and a few minutes after, the fatal daggers were withdrawn, and while being christened Neptune…by the lady of John Malcomson[iv] …this beautiful monument of Irish industry glided magnificently into her ‘native element’ amid the most enthusiastic cheers, waving of handkerchiefs etc. “
While the crowds then dispersed peacefully a “…splendid dejeuner a la fourchette was given by the worthy proprietors to a select party of friends and in the evening upwards of one hundred of our citizens assembled at supper. Mr Anderson[v]
the eminent engineer of the company presided…The workmen of the establishment were not forgotten they being put in possession of ample means to be joyful and the long for another launch.”
Once fitted out the SS Neptune would go into service on the London -St Petersburg run. One her maiden voyage to Russia her entry to port created quite a stir. At her arrival on the coast the Mayor of St Petersburg came onboard at Krondstadt and sailed aboard her up the River Neva. Russian naval vessels and forts along the route fired welcome salvos and merchantmen were dressed in flags and bunting. The royal barge of Tsar Nicholas came down to meet her and he was so impressed with the ship he announced that she would be waived of all pilot and port fees in perpetuity.[vi]
SS Neptune was the first of a series of launches of fine ships that would be to the forefront of maritime design and innovation and would turn heads in the ports of the world. In effect the launch that beautiful August evening was not just a launch of a ship, it was the launch of a dream, a vision and mission to put Waterford and her ships on a worldwide map. It was a dream that was realised, but for so too short a duration.
My thanks to David Carroll and Andy Kelly in preparing this piece
Community notes
On the 10th of October 1918 the RMS Leinster was torpedoed and over 500 people were drowned. Amongst those drowned were a number of Waterford people and their story has not previously been told in detail.
Author and former county librarian Donald Brady has been researching the subject and the Waterford casualties. To mark the 100th anniversary we are delighted that he will deliver a public talk titled: ‘The Sinking of RMS Leinster 10th October 1918: The Waterford Victims’ on Wednesday the 3rd of October 2018 at 8pm in the Dungarvan Harbour Sailing Club, Davitt’s Quay, Dungarvan. Admission is €5 and all are welcome.
Irish Bill. Shipbuilding in Waterford 1820-1882. 2001. Wordwell. Wicklow
Waterford Chronicle. 26th August 1846. Page 3
From other research and a forthcoming blog on the Waterford Green Ensign it
would appear the Lucifer was involved in survey work at the time
Anderson was headhunted in England and was brought to Waterford as the
company’s first engineer. He would later
be replaced in 1849 by a man whose name became synonymous with the shipyard
John Horn. Anderson however laid the
foundation.
Decies #38 Summer 1988. Frank P Murphy. P 29
McRonald. M. The Irish Boats vol II. 2006. Tempus. Gloucestershire
* According to the papers of the time, the ship grounded, holed and filled with water becoming a total wreck. The Captain, crew and 22 passengers made it to safety, being rescued by the steamer Emperor. The Neptune was well insured according to one account.
0 Comments
Trackbacks/Pingbacks