SS Oceanic (1870)

SS Oceanic
The Oceanic off Queenstown on her second homeward voyage from New York, 12 June 1871, by William Lionel Wyllie, 1895
History
United Kingdom
NameOceanic
OwnerWhite Star Line
OperatorWhite Star Line (1871–1875); chartered to Occidental and Oriental Steamship Company (1875–1895)
Route
  • Liverpool to New York (1871–1875)
  • San Francisco, Yokohama and Hong Kong (1875–1895)
BuilderHarland and Wolff, Belfast
Yard number73
Launched27 August 1870
Completed24 February 1871
Maiden voyage2 March 1871
Out of service17 May 1895
Fate
  • Sold for scrap 1895, broken up
  • 10 February 1896
General characteristics
Class and typeOceanic-class ocean liner
TypeOcean liner
Tonnage3,707 GRT
Displacement7,940 tons (loaded)
Length420 ft 4 in (128.12 m)
Beam40 ft 10 in (12.45 m)
Depth31 ft 5 in (9.58 m)
Installed powerFour-cylinder compound steam reciprocating engine, comprising two high-pressure and two low-pressure cylinders, generating 1,990 ihp (1,480 kW)
PropulsionPropeller, sails
Sail planBarque
Speed14.5 knots (26.9 km/h; 16.7 mph) (service speed)
Capacity166 first class and 1,000 third class passengers
Crew143

SS Oceanic was the White Star Line's first liner and first member of the Oceanic-class; she was an important turning point in passenger liner design. Entering service in 1871 for Atlantic crossings, she was later chartered to Occidental and Oriental Steamship Company (O&O) in 1875. The ship provided passenger service for O&O in the Pacific until 1895 when she was sold for scrap.