Lady Napier






 Lady Napier
Type :
 Wooden screw steamer
Launched  :
1892
Builder :
 G Ellis
Balmain, NSW
Gross weight :
 89 tons
Dimensions :
 98.30 x 24.60 x 6.70 (feet)
Passenger capacity :
 450
Speed :
 unknown

In the early 1890's competition in the Balmain area saw a new company, the Balmain New Ferry Company, enter the market in competition against the established Balmain Steam Ferry Company.

The new company immediately placed an order for two new ships that were to be the fore-runners of the vessels that would dominate the harbour in the first few decades of the twentieth century. The Lady Mary and Lady Napier were both innovative vessels that featured many of the characteristics that would come to be associated with the classic image of a Sydney ferry. Their design was based on work done by the naval architect Sir Walter Reeks.

Lady Napier did not survive long past the opening of the Sydney Harbour Bridge in 1932.  At forty years old these vessels were already past their prime and of little further use, especially when younger ships were available to continue in operation. Along with the Lady Mary she was sold in 1934. She was broken up shortly after.
Navigation