image left - A cross-section through the hull of a turret ship. The unique shape, with its rounded gunwhale was considered much safer in heavy seas for the shipment of loose granular cargoes such grain, coal and ore than those with conventionally shaped hulls. The cargoes of the conventional shape of hull could shift if the ship rolled excessively, whereas the cargo in the hold of a turret ship was restrained and less able to shift given the smaller aperture just below deck level. The design was an American patent. [054]

image right - Two variations on a theme as discussed in detail in the Marine Engineer and Naval Architect periodical of 1st January 1907. [198]

During the period 1892-1911 a total of 177 turret ships were constructed, the vast majority of which were built at the Sunderland yard of William Doxford & Sons Limited. The design was popular with shipping companies since it attracted lower tonnage dues when passing through the Suez Canal in comparison to conventional vbessels. The construction of these vessels was aborted upon the amendment of regulations and thus dues at Suez in 1911!