By the late 70s the original pontoon and steam auxiliaries of Tyneside’s floating crane Titan ll were worn out. However, the crane was still sound so Swan Hunter decided to construct a new pontoon for the crane. The pontoon was constructed in Hebburn Dock during 1978, utilising some of the redundant steel left over from the cancelled Swan-Maritime tanker contracts. The photograph shows the crane being transferred to the new pontoon in January 1979. The new pontoon was equipped with two large Aquamaster “out-board” motors and Titan lll was, therefore, self-propelled – Titan ll had required the services of a tug to move about the river. In 2009 Titan lll went to an Indian shipyard with the remainder of useable equipment from the Wallsend yard following the demise of the yard.

For the Full story of the Titan's look out for the Second Edition of Brian Newman's book:-

'A WORK OF TITANS' A history of the Swan Hunter Floating Cranes, Titan, Titan II & Titan III.

The first Edition was privatly published by Brian and limited to 50 copies. However I understand a second enlarged edition is on its way.

Dennis

Do you know if TITAN III had a yard number? I don't remember doing any work on her.

Hi Dave.

I thought that she had - I can recall reviewing weekly cost reports - however, I couldn't find it during a superficial search of my records earlier today. I'll need to do a more thorough search.

I have that book, and excellent it is.

No Yard Number in the Official List.

Yard Number 0103 was for two Pontoon's but that was to early (February 1977)

From Brian's book:- Titan II entered the Hebburn Graving Dock on the 19th December 1978 in preparation for the Transfer.




Kevin:- Thought you would have a copy, it was a very nice picture you supplied.

Dennis/Dave,

Have asked Brian Newman about a "Yard Number" and he is going to check the documents held by the University when he is next in.

Strictly speaking TITAN II was self propelled, she had two Steam Engines.

Quote from Book.

"Swan Hunter paid £68,500 for Titan II, and she completed her sea trials on the 24th February 1922 when 2.84 knots against tide and wind, and 4.73 knots with was achieved, giving her a mean average of 3.78 knots."

Her problem was, apart from being underpowered, going in a straight line, hence the Tug assistance for most of her life.

The pontoons built under yard number 103 were for the Nigerian floating dock built some years earlier by Swan Hunter.

Thanks Dennis, shall add a note to my List!

The Yard/Job Number for TITAN III was:-

SO (Special Order.) 5179.