Fayette-class Steamship

The Fayette-class steamships are a class of twelve passenger ships owned by Blue Rose Line in Samoir. They were designed by Maximilian Razal in 4991, and the first three ships were manufactured by Quelcatin Maritim before the company went bankrupt in 5005. Later Fayette-class ships were built by Couvreur de Hilfaun. They remain the largest non-ocean liner passenger ship surpassing the Astorian Licorne-class ships.  

Description

They Fayette-class ships are powered by a compound engine supplied by four boilers and are propelled by a single screw propeller. The stack is located amidship. They also have auxiliary masts fore and aft, though the sails were only meant to be used in the event of a mechanical breakdown. Lifeboats are suspended above the sides of the ship.   The interior of the ships are largely dark wood, and the main saloon spans the entire width of the ship. First class accommodations are located above the waterline with windows in each room. Second and third class accommodations lack windows. There is room for 100 first class, 50 second class, and 600 third class passengers.

First Class

First class passengers are treated to stateroom cabins, a private restaurant, smoking room, and lounge, and meals equal to those found in hotels on land. They also have access to the foredeck, and staff are prepared to wait on their needs.

Second Class

Second class cabins are plain, but private accommodations. Meals are provided in a cafeteria-style hall with food being equivalent to pub fare. They have free roam of the middle and after decks. Maids maintain the cabins, but no other service is provided.

Third Class

Third class passengers reside below decks. Each cabin contains six beds stacked two high. Food is provided and eaten in the common area. During the day, they may spend time on the middle and after decks. There is no service for third class.

Construction

The development of the Cazen compound steam engine allowed for ocean ferries to grow even larger. Razal was tasked with designing a passenger ship that could navigate the rough waters north of Samoir in order to connect the northern and southern coasts. The Blue Rose Line was in direct competition with the trains which were unable to cross the mountains during winter. The original design was much larger, but it was deemed too expensive and impractical to build. Two years later, the final design for Fayette was approved. Quelcatin Maritim owned the largest shipyard, but the new design forced them to completely rebuild their yard to fit the massive ships. It took three years for construction to begin. By then, Blue Rose Line ordered two more ships.   In 5004, sox more ships were ordered, but Quelcatin Maritim went bankrupt before construction began. Blue Rose Line auctioned off the contract for six ships, and Couvreur de Hilfaun won only weeks after unveiling their new shipyard which was more than able to meet the demand. Just over a year later, the first ship was launched. The contract was renewed for another three ships in 5026, and the twelfth ship launched in 5038.

Launch

Fayette was launched in 4996 following eighteen months of construction. She was regarded as a crowning achievement for Samoir as every part of her was made by Samorans. The launch took place at Anderchon and was attended by the Prime Minister and Minister of Transportation. The celebration took all day, and commemorative coins marked the successful launch. Fayette sailed north to Montaunne and was received with similar fanfare.
Fayette-class steamship
S.S. Suevia by John S Johnston
Class
Rarity
Common
Width
41ft
Length
360ft
Speed
13 knots
Complement / Crew
115
Cargo & Passenger Capacity
750
Propulsion
Steam, screw propeller
Tonnage
3610 tonnes
Ships in Service
Fayette
Irideuse
Richotise
Ferant
Duceslin
Marque
Noichleux
Oussent
Vaulmiaire
Audri
Scipion
Bourraine


Cover image: by Alishahr

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