1908 ‘design d’

general arrangement plan

The birth of the olympic class

Illustration by Victor Vila, 2020

‘The largest steamers in the world’

On July 29, 1908, a party of four White Star Line directors were presented a detailed blueprint for an exciting new series of ships to be constructed by Harland and Wolff shipyard in Belfast. The design called for a vessel in excess of 850 feet in length, with four towering funnels and a propulsion system combining traditional reciprocating steam engines as well as a more radical steam turbine. This trio of ships would come to be known as the Olympic-Class and today are fondly remembered as the most famous sister ships of all time; Olympic, Titanic and Britannic.

‘Olympic-Class’ Liner

Length: 882’9”

Beam: 92’6”

Draught: 34’7”

Tonnage: 46,328 GRT

Max Speed: 24 kn

THE details

Stern Section Detail

A close view of the detail around the plan’s stern section showing the proposed layout of third class spaces at the ships’ extreme stern.

Amidships Detail at A-Deck

Detail showing the proposed layout of ‘A-Deck’ on the ships. The Lounge and Reading and Writing Rooms were extremely popular - but there were a number of changes to the final design, include the shape and number of alcoves.

Bow Section Detail

A close view of detail around the very forward part of B-Deck. The arrangement of machinery on the forecastle was changed significantly - including the addition of a third central stockless anchor at the prow.

Amidships Section Detail

Detail of the Plan showing machine spaces and details amidships. Of interest is the proposed Dome over the 1st Class Dining Saloon. This was ultimately omitted on the completed ships earning the Olympic Class some denigration from critics when compared to the grander dining saloons spanning multiple decks on other liners of the period.

Bow Section Detail

Layout of the bow section including cargo spaces and crew quarters.

Liner Designs' Titanic Overlay

A view showing Liner Designs’ Titanic drawing overlaid on top of the Design D drawing by Victor Vila. Click to learn more about the Liner Designs drawing.