The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1921-06-15
Electric Drive Ship
 A Business Success

THE Eclipse, Americas first electrically
 propelled cargo carrier. has just
 completed her first ocean voyage, trip from New York to Port Said. Egypt, a distance of more than $500 miles.
 The success Of the applsrati ton of electricity in improving Americas merchant marine is emphasized in the report of the trip, which was made In two days less time than re- quired for similar boats not equipped with electric drive and with a great saving in the amount of fuel used. The 4verage speed increased two knots and, contrary to the reports which have been current that specially electrically trained mer would be required to the vessel. the same crew which had operated the Eclipse before her old engine was replaced by the electric drive was used on this trip and not the slightest difficulty experienced
 The Eclipse is the first of twelve F, 900 ton vessels being equipped with he electric drive for the United States Shipping Board. The second, the Invincible, is expected be placed in service within a few weeks, and work has already been started on the third ship, the Archer.
 An official report of the Eclipse's trip says:
 '"The trip from New York to Port Said made without single stop, and although
 
 grade Of fuel maintained excellent speed for the entire trip.
 ''The main turbine and motor gave excel lent service, the control gear was very easily and efficiently operated. Not the slightest trouble of any kind was experienced during the run.
 "'The boilers and superheaters gave very satisfactory results maintaining pressure of 200 to 210 pounds and temperature of 5S5 to 500 degrees at the turbine.
 "The chief engineer was very well satisfied with the performance Of the entire equip ment, and especially with the simplicity of it's operation. The engineers force of this vessel is not above the average in experi- ence, therefore when consider these facts and circumstances. together with the per- formance of the vessel, it is safe to say that no ship owner would make any mistake by equipping his ships with this type of equip ment.
 ''The engineers on watch operated the ap- paratus easily a motorman does troll ley car. Each and every one showed an interest in his respective duty. due chiefly to the simplicity Of operation.
 "The vessel went through some very rough seas. and when the stern was pitched high up out of the water by the heavy swells there not the least variation noticeable fin the revolutions of the main motor and no vibration felt at any time in any part of the ship during the trip"
 The popularity and growth of the appnca- ton of electricity for the propulsion of ves- sels Is shown by the number of craft thus equipped that are now in service being built. The merchant vessels include. besides the Eclipse. the Cuba. a 2,126 ton passenger and cargo carrier. in service. and eleven 5000 ton cargo carriers and four 1.eoo ton coast guard cutters under construction Or naval vessels there are two battleships, the New Mexico and the Tennessee, and the collier Jupiter in service, while being built there are five battleships of B. 900 tons each. six battleships of 45.o00 tons eacn and six battle cruisers of 43,500 tons each, all to have electric drive equipment