Discovering the Very First Bulk Carrier, the John Bowes

The first ship designed for bulk cargo transport was the John Bowes, built in 1852 by Palmer Brothers & Co. The John Bowes was a steam-powered bulk carrier, 45 meters long (150 feet), entirely built of steel.

John Bowes Specifications:

Dimensions: 30.8 m x 5.28 m x 3.20 m

Propulsion: 2 reciprocating steam engines of 2.35 hp, one propeller, 9 knots. It received new engines in 1864 and 1883.

Capacity: Carried 650 tons of coal with a loading/unloading speed superior to two sailing colliers of the time.

The John Bowes made its maiden voyage on July 27, 1852, and had a long and prosperous life.

Unfortunately, the John Bowes sank in 1933 during a storm between Bilbao and San Sebastian with a cargo of iron ore.

Photo credit: tynebuiltships.co.uk

References: naval-encyclopedia.com

tynebuiltships.co.uk