Superships
Each episode of this series gives a close up look into the operation, design, and physics behind how a particular very special ship operates, from a couple of very remarkable ferries, to science vessels, to a supertanker,. Typically, for each episode/ subject ship, the film crew travels with the vessel on a journey or two and the story of that particular trip are interwoven with interviews with experts on the history, and engineering behind these super ships.
- 2001-2001
- 1 season
Each episode of this series gives a close up look into the operation, design, and physics behind how a particular very special ship operates, from a couple of very remarkable ferries, to science vessels, to a supertanker,. Typically, for each episode/ subject ship, the film crew travels with the vessel on a journey or two and the story of that particular trip are interwoven with interviews with experts on the history, and engineering behind these super ships.
Season 1 Episode Guide
13 Episodes 2001
Episode 1
Launching a Leviathan: Hellespont Fairfax
46 mins
Check out the world's largest double-hulled oil tanker under construction. As hundreds of workers assemble the massive ship over a 12-month period, the inner workings of the ship come to light.
Episode 2
Freeway on the Seaway: The Cat
46 mins
The Cat is a super fast car ferry which races across the Gulf of Maine at speeds in excess of 90 kilometers an hour. Get to know this catamaran's unique aluminum hull construction and water jet propulsion system.
Episode 3
A Grand Carrier: The Ferry Ulysses
46 mins
Crossing the Irish sea in mid-winter the world's largest car ferry battles through a gale force wind and 10 metre seas. 3-D animation explains the advanced design that allows a shallow draught vessel to carry up to 1,300 cars and 2,000 people.
Episode 4
Sailing the Dream: The Royal Clipper
46 mins
The biggest sailing ship in the world; a five-masted square rigged clipper ship transporting 200 excited passengers on a seven day cruise on the Caribbean Sea. Explore secrets of the amazing sail handling system and the silent mechanical systems.
Episode 5
Super Servant: The Careful Movers
46 mins
This amazing ship crosses the oceans of the world while piggybacking racing and pleasure yachts on behalf of owners and operators who lack the time or skills to do their own long distance cruising. See how this ship can even sink and refloat itself!
Episode 6
Shanghai Express: Ocean Highway Hauler
46 mins
On a voyage from Rotterdam to Hamburg, the world's biggest container ship is examined in detail, especially for it's notable cargo handling methods, a true ballet of boxes. See the advanced technology behind the rapid transport of such vast cargoes.
Episode 7
Eirik Raud: Oil Patch Explorer
46 mins
The World's largest self-propelled, semi-submersible, all weather oil drilling rig leaves Halifax Harbour on it's first voyage to test its sea worthiness and oil drilling systems in the frigid waters of the North Atlantic, 300 kilometers from shore.
Episode 8
The Mighty and the Miniature: Atlantic Guardian
46 mins
When an undersea cable breaks, millions of communication pathways are shut down. The Cable Ship, Atlantic Guardian, which is on 24 hour stand-by in Baltimore, Maryland, demonstrates how quickly it can search for and repair these important cables.
Episode 9
Kilo Moana: Rough Ocean Researcher
46 mins
Kilo Moana is a research vessel which boasts amazing hull technology to keep itself stable in the stormy Hawaiian Sea. Scientists conduct tests that will help our understanding of the effect of deep ocean currents on marine life and global warming.
Episode 10
First Lady of the Mississippi: The American Queen
46 mins
The largest Sternwheeler ever built plies its trade on the Mississippi River, complete with old fashioned tunes and riverboat gamblers. It's steam powered engine gets a close up look along with its many decks and shallow draught construction.
Episode 11
Mighty Servant 1: High Seas Muscle
46 mins
Hauling a huge section of an offshore drilling platform from Korea to the Gulf of Mexico is the immensely difficult task of the Mighty Servant. Loading and maneuvering the massive unit calls for a smooth sea, a steady hand, and a great deal of power.
Episode 12
The Land Maker: Vasco da Gama
46 mins
The world's largest Dredger can suck up sand and transport it in one smooth, powerful operation. In Singapore, this amazing ocean going apparatus is shown as it goes through its paces and we see the parts and means that are normally hidden from view.
Episode 13
The Top Ten: Superships
46 mins
See how the Superships stack up against one another in this top ten countdown! Who will be the mightiest piece of technology on the sea?