The Massive Engines That Powered the SS United States – Fastest Ocean Liner Ever
Bottom line: The SS United States reached 38.5 knots thanks to four colossal steam turbine sets delivering over 180,000 shaft horsepower.
The Massive Engines That Powered the SS United States – Fastest Ocean Liner Ever
Image: The Massive Engines That Powered the SS United States – Fastest Ocean Liner Ever – Performance Comparison and Specifications
Design & Looks
The liner’s sleek, white hull wasn’t just for looks. Behind the graceful lines lay a turbo‑electric power plant that was the size of a small house. Four General Electric steam turbines fed electricity to massive propulsion motors, which turned four three‑blade propellers. The layout gave the ship a clean profile while hiding the raw power inside.
Performance & Mileage
Each turbine was rated at about 50,000 shaft horsepower, so together they cranked out roughly 180,000 shp. That power pushed the ship to a record‑breaking 38.5 knots on her maiden voyage – still the fastest speed ever recorded by an ocean liner. Fuel efficiency wasn’t a priority; at cruising speed the vessel burned about 0.5 mpg of heavy fuel oil, typical for a ship of that size and era.
Price & Rivals
When the United States entered service in 1952, the cost of the engine plant alone was around $25 million – a staggering sum at the time. The only real rival was the French liner SS France, which relied on diesel engines and never matched the United States’ top speed. The turbo‑electric system gave the American ship a distinct advantage in acceleration and smoothness, but it also meant higher maintenance expenses.
| Engine | Mileage | Price | Top Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Four GE Steam Turbines (≈50,000 shp each) | ~0.5 mpg (fuel oil) | $25 million (1952) |
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FAQ
- What was the top speed of the SS United States? The liner hit 38.5 knots (about 44 mph) on her maiden run.
- How much fuel did the engines consume? Roughly 0.5 miles per gallon of heavy fuel oil at cruising speed.
- Are any of the engines still operational today? The turbines were removed in the 1990s, but the original design remains a benchmark for marine engineering.
Got a memory of a sea voyage or a question about the United States? Drop a comment below!
Source: Read Official News
