The RMS Titanic was a British luxury passenger liner that sank in the North Atlantic Ocean in the early hours of 15 April 1912. Built in Belfast and operated by the White Star Line, the ship represented the peak of maritime technology and luxury when it entered service in 1911.
More than a century after its loss, the Titanic remains one of the most documented and studied ships in history. This article provides detailed specifications, historical context, and operational information for readers seeking a clear, structured overview of the vessel.
| Category | Detail | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ship Name | RMS Titanic | Titanic | Royal Mail Ship |
| Owner | White Star Line | International Mercantile Marine Co. | Parent company |
| Builder | Harland and Wolff | Belfast, Ireland | Yard number 401 |
| Keel Laid | 31 March 1909 | — | Construction start |
| Launched | 31 May 1911 | — | Floating out |
| Maiden Voyage | 10 April 1912 | Southampton to New York | First scheduled crossing |
| Length Overall | 882 feet 9 inches | 269.1 meters | Including bows and stern |
| Gross Register Tonnage | 46,328 GRT | — | Size by internal volume |
| Propulsion | Two reciprocating triple-expansion engines + low-pressure turbine | Three screws | Combined output about 46,000 shp |
| Service Speed | 21–23 knots | 39 km/h | Typical operational range |
| Passenger Capacity | First, Second, Third Class | Approx. 2,224 persons total | Included crew and passengers |
| Lifeboat Provision | 20 lifeboats | 1,178 total capacity | Exceeded then-existing regulations |
| Regulatory Context | Board of Trade requirements | 16 lifeboat capacity required | Based on tonnage thresholds |
| Cause of Loss | Collision with iceberg | 5 April 1912 | Breached multiple compartments |
Design and Naval Architecture
Titanic incorporated advanced naval architecture for its time, balancing luxury accommodations with safety provisions. The ship featured a double bottom, 16 watertight compartments, and a reinforced bow designed to withstand harsh North Atlantic conditions.
Structural Specifications
The hull was built around a network of longitudinal and transverse frames, with a steel skin riveted to the framework. Engineers designed the division between engine rooms, cargo holds, and passenger decks to manage weight distribution and stability.
Construction Timeline and Sea Trials
Construction progressed at Harland and Wolff shipyard, where meticulous attention to decorative detail defined the interiors. The timeline from keel laying to launch reflected complex coordination among thousands of workers and suppliers.
Following outfitting, Titanic underwent sea trials in the Irish Sea. These tests evaluated maneuvering, engine performance, and safety systems, establishing baseline operational parameters that guided its inaugural voyage across the Atlantic.
Operational History and Final Voyage
After commissioning, Titanic operated scheduled crossings between Southampton and New York. On its maiden voyage in April 1912, the liner carried a mix of wealthy travelers, emigrants, and crew. Warnings about ice in the shipping lanes were received but not sufficiently acted upon.
Late on 14 April 1912, the ship struck an iceberg on the starboard side. Despite efforts to control flooding and execute an orderly evacuation, the limited number of lifeboats and the rapidity of the sinking resulted in heavy loss of life. Rescue operations by the SS Carpathia saved a portion of the survivors in the early hours of 15 April.
Legacy and Cultural Impact
The sinking of the Titanic reshaped maritime safety regulations, influencing lifeboat requirements, radio communication protocols, and ice patrol operations in the North Atlantic. The disaster became a focal point for discussions on technology, hubris, and class distinctions at sea.
FAQ
Reader questions
How many passengers and crew were on board during the maiden voyage?
Approximately 2,224 persons were aboard Titanic during its maiden voyage, including both passengers and crew members.
What were the ship's speed capabilities during service?
Titanic typically operated at service speeds between 21 and 23 knots, with the capability to reach higher speeds during testing conditions.
How many lifeboats were available and why was this significant?
The ship carried 20 lifeboats with a total capacity of 1,178 people, which exceeded mandatory Board of Trade requirements yet was insufficient for all aboard.
What key safety lessons were learned after the disaster?
The tragedy prompted reforms such as 24-hour radio monitoring, sufficient lifeboat provisions for all aboard, and coordinated international ice patrols in the North Atlantic.