rms TITANIC
The RMS Titanic left Southampton Docks in 1912 and steamed towards its tragic fate in the North Atlantic powered by the 162 coal burning furnaces on board driving the ship’s steam engines. Titanic carried over 6,600 tons of coal on board and used 825 tons every day. 175 men shovelled this coal, most of whom died when the ship sank.
At the turn of the C20th steam-power was quickly taking over from sail-power on the ocean waves. Virtually all steam powered ships burned coal. In the 1950s, oil emerged as a cheaper, cleaner, less bulky alternative. But of course time has revealed the air and water polluting impact of oil too.
This story is part of the new EarthMuseum Air We Breathe Learning Programme being launched in early 2026. Register above to receive further information in Autumn 2025.