Note 2 — Chapter XXXIX
Reading edition
The Dock, one of the largest yet built, is capable of docking the largest existing vessel in the British Navy. It is of the double-sided self-docking type, on the principle known as the “bolted sectional.” It consists of a pontoon or lifting portion of the dock, and two parallel side walls, built on to and forming part of the same, and the whole length is divided into three complete and separate sections, which, when bolted together, form the complete dock. These sections are so arranged that when the dock is separated into its three parts, any two of them can dock the remaining third between them. For this purpose each section is fitted with its own independent pumping machinery, so that it can also act as an independent unit.
The general dimensions of the dock are as follows:—
Ft.In.
Length over platforms6000
Length over pontoons5506
Width over all1350
Depth of pontoon at center170
Length of side walls4706
Height of side walls above pontoon deck420
Width of side walls at base176
Width of side walls at top126
Clear width between roller fenders1000
Draught of vessel276
Lifting capacity25,000 tons
The construction of the dock is such as to make it suitable for lifting a modern British battleship, the pontoon deck being specially stiffened to allow it to support a large portion of the weight of the vessel on side or bilge, as well as central, keels.
In the season of 1914, 27 vessels were repaired.
In addition a ship building yard has been built in 1914 with five or six miles of railroad connecting with the C.P.R., C.N.R., and G.T.R. lines. At present a gigantic million dollar ice breaker, the second in the world, is being built by this firm for the Dominion government to be launched in 1915. In addition a bucket dredge costing $835,000 has been ordered by the Government for delivery in June, 1916.