After the launch of these two famous steamers, there was an interval of six years during which no new vessels were added to the fleet. The next additions were the Arabic and Coptic, for the Trans-Pacific trade, in 1881. In the same year Mr. W. S. Graves, son of a well-known former M.P. for Liverpool, became a partner.
Oceanic (1870). White Star Line.
In 1883 the Ionic and Doric were built for the New Zealand trade—the Shaw, Savill and Albion Line from London. In 1885 the Gaelic and Belgic—replacing the two older ships of the same names—were built for the Trans-Pacific trade. A new type of steamer for the cargo and cattle trade between Liverpool and New York was introduced in 1888, the two first steamers of the new type being the Cufic and Runic. These vessels were the last single screw ships ordered for the White Star Line, all the succeeding vessels being of the twin-screw type. The Cufic and Runic proved successful enough to warrant the company in forming a complete service of cargo and cattle steamers. After doing very efficient service as cattle carriers, the Cufic was sold to a Liverpool firm, who changed her name to the Manxman, and the Runic, also sold to a Liverpool firm, is engaged in the West Indian trade under the name of the Tampican.
In January, 1889, was launched the Teutonic, the first of the celebrated pair of twin-screw mercantile armed cruisers (Teutonic and Majestic), each 10,000 tons, which have since made for themselves a great reputation in the New York mail and passenger service. The keel of the Teutonic was laid in March, 1887. The vessel was launched 22 months later, and she left Liverpool on her maiden voyage to New York on the 7th August, 1889. Prior to going on to her regular station, she was present, armed with eight quick-firing guns, at the naval inspection by the German Emperor at Spithead in the beginning of August, 1889. On that occasion she astonished nautical critics with her splendid proportions, and was honoured by a special visit from H.I.M. the Kaiser, and H.R.H. the Prince of Wales (now H.M. King Edward VII.). She was again present with a large party of guests at the Diamond Jubilee Naval Review in June, 1897, when she carried an armament of 16 guns. Her sister ship, the Majestic, was launched on the 29th June, 1889, but did not start on her first voyage until the 2nd April, 1890.
The length of time occupied in the building of these great ships is sufficient evidence, if any were needed, of the great care bestowed on their construction, and the builders, Messrs. Harland & Wolff, have their reward in witnessing the successful work which is being performed by two of the finest vessels the world has ever seen. These two beautiful vessels quickly lowered the record on the Atlantic. In July, 1891, the Majestic steamed from Queenstown to New York in 5 days 18 hours and 8 minutes, the fastest passage then on record, but even this was eclipsed by the Teutonic the succeeding month by a passage of 5 days 16½ hours duration.
R.M.S. Teutonic. White Star Line.
On January 1st, 1891, Mr. Ismay’s two elder sons, Mr. J. Bruce Ismay (previously the company’s agent in New York) and Mr. James H. Ismay, were admitted members of the firm. After 40 years’ business life Mr. T. H. Ismay, on the 31st December, 1891, retired from the firm of Ismay, Imrie & Co., but he continued to fill the position of chairman of the White Star Line until his decease in November, 1899.
A large and handsome twin-screw passenger and mail steamer, the Gothic, of 7,755 tons, was added to the company’s New Zealand fleet in 1893, and four years later (1897) the Delphic, 8,273 tons, a twin-screw cargo steamer, with accommodation for one class of passengers only, was placed in the New Zealand service.