- Enormous ships have always captivated the imaginations of the general public.
- The RMS Titanic ocean liner and the Seawise Giant supertanker are among history’s most iconic and memorable vessels.
- At 1,504.1 feet, the Seawise Giant is the longest ship ever constructed, surpassing the 882-foot length of the Titanic.
- Despite their differing sizes, both vessels are considered titans of their respective eras.
How Big is the Seawise Giant Compared to the Titanic?
The RMS Titanic
While often mistaken for a cruise ship, the Titanic was designed as the world’s most luxurious ocean liner. Constructed by the Harland & Wolff Shipyard in Belfast, Northern Ireland, the Titanic was completed in 1912 after almost three years of construction. The ship, owned by White Star Line, was a British-registered vessel.
The Seawise Giant
In stark contrast, the Seawise Giant, designed for cargo, was constructed by Sumitomo Heavy Industries at the Oppama Shipyard in Kanagawa, Japan. Completed in 1979, it became the longest and heaviest self-propelled ship. Originally ordered by a Greek shipping magnate, ownership disputes led to its sale to a Chinese shipping company.
Cost of Construction and Time to Build
The Titanic, costing $7.5 million in 1912 (approximately $198 million today), was completed in just over three years. In contrast, the Seawise Giant’s construction exceeded $100 million (equivalent to nearly $300 million today) and took almost five years.
Size Differences
- Length: Titanic – 882 ft., Seawise Giant – 1,504.1 ft.
- Width: Titanic – 92 ft., Seawise Giant – 226 ft.
- Height: Titanic – 64 ft., Seawise Giant – 81 ft.
- Gross Tonnage: Titanic – 46,328, Seawise Giant – 260,941
The Seawise Giant overshadows the Titanic in every metric, reflecting advancements in maritime engineering over the 68-year gap.
Structural Differences Between the Two Ships
The Titanic, a luxury ocean liner, featured intricate interior spaces accommodating passengers. The Seawise Giant, designed as an oil tanker, prioritized cargo and crew safety.
Fuel Requirements and Routes
The Titanic’s coal-fed engines contrast with the Seawise Giant’s diesel-powered ones. The Titanic’s transatlantic route differs from the Seawise Giant’s global shipping routes.
Passengers and Crew
The Titanic accommodated 2,435 passengers and 892 crew members. The Seawise Giant, despite its larger size, had a smaller crew of 40 to 50, focusing solely on cargo transportation.
Comparison of Safety Features
While the Titanic lacked sufficient safety measures, the Seawise Giant boasted advanced safety features, including a double hull, firefighting systems, and modern navigational equipment.
Operational Histories and Fates
The Titanic’s tragic sinking in 1912 marked one of the deadliest maritime disasters. In contrast, the Seawise Giant, after facing ownership disputes and damage during the Iran-Iraq War in 1988, continued to operate until 2009 when it was decommissioned and scrapped in India.
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Source: Cruise Hive
