RMS Aquitania: Enhancements and Upgrades During the 1937 Refits

In 1937, the RMS Aquitania, one of the most renowned transatlantic liners of the 20th century, underwent significant modifications during a major drydocking at the King George V Drydock. This critical refit was aimed at enhancing the ship’s performance and improving its efficiency on transatlantic crossings. One of the most notable changes during this refit was the installation of newly designed propellers, a visual feature that became particularly apparent once the water was drained from the drydock.

Propeller Upgrades: A Nod to the Queen Mary

The newly installed propellers on Aquitania were scaled-down versions of those fitted to its more famous sister ship, the RMS Queen Mary. The Queen Mary was a marvel of its time, known for its speed and impressive engineering, and the new propellers on the Aquitania were expected to bring similar performance enhancements. These propellers featured four blades per screw, a departure from previous designs, and were engineered with an increased surface area to provide better propulsion and greater efficiency.

Despite the hope that the propeller upgrades would offer a significant boost to Aquitania‘s speed, the results were less than expected. While the ship had always been known for its comfort and luxury rather than its raw speed, the planned increase in speed fell short of the desired targets. In the face of this setback, it became clear that additional work would be necessary to fully unlock the potential of Aquitania‘s engines and to meet the growing competition on the transatlantic routes.

The 1937 Refits: Condenser Overhaul and Engine Work

Recognizing the need to improve Aquitania‘s performance, engineers turned their attention to the ship’s engines during the 1937 refit. The ship was powered by a set of 62,000 horsepower engines, which, while powerful, required a significant overhaul to match the enhanced propellers. The key to improving the ship’s speed was a comprehensive update to its condensers, a crucial component of any steam engine system. Condensers are responsible for cooling the steam after it has powered the engine, and optimizing their function was essential for improving engine efficiency and performance.

Extensive work was carried out on the condensers during this time, and this upgrade proved to be the turning point for the Aquitania. With the improved condensers, the ship’s engines became more efficient, enabling Aquitania to generate the power needed to exceed its previous speed limitations.

Speed Boost and Success on Transatlantic Crossings

By the spring of 1938, following the completion of the extensive refit, Aquitania was ready to return to service. The upgrades to both the propellers and the engines proved effective, and the ship was now able to surpass 24.50 knots on its transatlantic crossings. This represented a significant increase in speed for the vessel, and it ensured that the Aquitania could remain competitive with other luxury liners on the highly lucrative transatlantic route.

While Aquitania was never as fast as its counterparts, such as the Queen Mary or the Queen Elizabeth, it had always been celebrated for its elegance, luxury, and reliability. The 1937 refit allowed it to improve its speed and efficiency, making it a more formidable presence on the Atlantic. The ship continued to serve as a popular and prestigious choice for passengers traveling between Europe and North America, with its upgraded performance helping to ensure that it remained a favorite for many years to come.

Conclusion: A Refined Icon

The 1937 refit of the RMS Aquitania marked a significant moment in the history of this storied vessel. While the propeller upgrades did not produce the expected speed boost, the comprehensive work done on the ship’s engines, including the condenser overhaul, proved to be a successful and vital enhancement. By spring 1938, Aquitania was able to achieve its desired speed on transatlantic crossings, allowing it to maintain its reputation as one of the finest ocean liners of its time. This period of improvement ensured that the ship could continue to provide a luxurious and fast service for passengers, cementing Aquitania‘s place in the history of transatlantic travel.