STEERING OF SHIPS

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 3, Issue 202, 21 August 1940, Page 3

STEERING OF SHIPS

NEW BRITISH INVENTION! A Glasgow naval architect has invented a new type of ship's rudder which has aroused interest in the maritime nations. Tests have shown that among the advantages over its predecessors are increased propulsive efficiency, smal ler size, smaller steering gear, great ly reduced first cost and easier and cheaper repair and maintenance. A principle already used for yacht sails and slotted aeroplane wings is brought into operation for the new rudder, which has been named "Hydrogap." Shipbuilders of the Netherlands, one of the oldest a inmost progressive of mercantile countries, have. \ been quick to adopt the rudder. It was first ordered' for two new motorships of the Royal Pasket Navigation Company of Amsterdam; a repeat order has now been received for a third motorship for the same line, and the Java-China-.Tapan Line of Amsterdam are having their latest motorship equipped with it. This latest product of British maritime inventiveness has also interested shipowners in Belgium and Denmark and negotiations are proceeding for further instaliations in the ships of those couulvics. Five new Hull trawlers and a mctor yneht and a tug for Canada arc among British vessels recently been ordered.