SS Great Britain makes first screw-propelled transatlantic crossing

Background. Designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel for the Great Western Steamship Company, Great Britain was the largest passenger ship in the world from 1845 to 1853. Although other ships had previously been built of iron or equipped with screw propellers, Great Britain was the first to combine these features in a large ocean-going vessel. Her construction spanned six years, ending in 1845, resulting in a revolutionary ship that was more than 100 feet longer and 1,000 tons larger than any previously built.

Voyage. Great Britain embarked on her maiden voyage on 26 July 1845, departing from Liverpool under Captain James Hosken with 45 passengers. The journey to New York City was completed in 14 days, establishing the ship as the first iron steamer to cross the Atlantic Ocean. This crossing demonstrated the viability of combining iron hulls with screw propulsion for transatlantic service, a feat that had been overdue by five years.

Participants. Isambard Kingdom Brunel designed the vessel for the Great Western Steamship Company's transatlantic service. Captain James Hosken commanded the ship during the maiden voyage from Liverpool to New York. A passage also records that Colonel Sir George Everest, the British surveyor and namesake of Mount Everest, travelled between Liverpool and New York in 1845, though it does not state that he sailed aboard Great Britain's maiden voyage.