Funnels

[Capt Bill Davies]

Expanding a little on my earlier post where I made reference to SS Phoenix and her ‘slender funnel’.

Old ‘DK’ did not like to spend money on items that did not increase the vessels earning capacity. The funnels were invariably painted black unless the vessels were on long term Time Charter. An example here would be the Grey funnels with the ‘GULF’ Oil logo on the Bantry Class or the Grey funnel and the large ‘N’ for the Ore Carriers on charter to Navios. The Mariner class, the latest of the ULCCs, about 73 onwards, were all black even though they were on T/C, consecutive voyage type.

Sometime in the mid 70s a young Harvard Business Consultant type was employed to look after some aspects of the business and thought he would show old ‘DK’, now almost 80, a thing or two. His thing was ‘Branding’ and was amazed that NBC did not have a logo of its own.

He ran a sort of competition out of the Manhattan office suggesting that all the shore employees make a suggestion as to the logo design. I understand dozens of ideas came in and one in particular that attracted this consultants attention was one which showed ‘ Two fists wringing out a Dollar note ‘. The sketch showed droplets falling from the dollar.

Unfortunately, the consultant, not knowing DKs mercurial temper showed the sketch to DK. Result was that the consultant was dismissed on the spot.

DK was very proud of his thrift.

Brgds

Bill

[Kenneth Kenny]

The Uglist Funnel,I think the Belfast ships,head line with the Hand on with blood on wrist.In the fifties the story was that owner had two sons,he took them out to sea in a boat,mile from shore.He said the first one to swim and put his hand on dry land gets the run of the company when I die.Anyway the son that was coming second,cut his hand off and throw it on dry land that's why the hand symbol on the funnel.I don't think it was true.Ken.

[Lou Barron]

During the war you did not have to worry about what colour paint to use it was all bloody grey

[happy daze john in oz]

During the war you did not have to worry about what colour paint to use it was all bloody grey

And no doubt with all the camoflage it would be hard to find so never re-painted!!

[Tony Frost]

The Uglist Funnel,I think the Belfast ships,head line with the Hand on with blood on wrist.In the fifties the story was that owner had two sons,he took them out to sea in a boat,mile from shore.He said the first one to swim and put his hand on dry land gets the run of the company when I die.Anyway the son that was coming second,cut his hand off and throw it on dry land that's why the hand symbol on the funnel.I don't think it was true.Ken.

It was the History (Myth)of Ulster you have quoted not Head Line/Heyns (Look at the flag of Ulster) company known as Ulster SS.(so during WWII you had Head line with a red Hand on the funnel carring Arms)

[Wagga]

Since I served on Blue Star maybe I'm biased but I have to agree it's got to be the best.

[Robert T. Bush]

Sailed on Bulk Trader the last vessel built at Welding Shipyard in Norfolk.

Not what I would call an attractive funnel but easy to paint same paint as the hull.

[j.sabourn]

Agree, always reminded me of Newcastle Brown Ale when sighted. John Sabourn

[Doc Vernon]

Altough never on any Blue Funnel Ship,i also think it was a nice looking Funnel,but why was it so hard to Paint? Only two colours wasnt it?? Please enlighten me!

Another old Ship Company that i really likes the Funnel of was Blue Anchor Line of

---

W Lund and Sons London!
Now that must have been hard to paint!

Not forgetting the Houlder Lines of London,must have been another pain to paint!
Cheers

[Ivor Lloyd]

My favourite is Prince Line

Ivor Lloyd