"Roberto". Water tanker

The water tanker, "Roberto", built at "The Dundee Shipbuilders CO,LD", Dundee,Scotland, in 1.905, has provided uninterrupted service to the company "Aljibes de Vigo" for 90 years. It still uses its originally steam engine,which makes it the oldest harbour boat in Spain.

This water tanker can deliver 130 tons of drinking water in a little over an hour,and it has serviced ships as enormous as the "Camberra" and de "Queen Elizabeth II".Although it might seem surprising these days, the "Roberto" originally served as a tug and rescue-boat, since its steam engine made it a high-tech vessel in an era in which sail boats were still prevalent.

The "Roberto" shares duties in the Vigo harbor with the "Hidria II", a steam engine boat of much newer vintage,built in 1.965. Both have three member crews, whose dedication-along with the company's- guarantee their preservation.

Specifications: Length 22,65 m. Beam 6,35 m. Draugth 1,98m.

Built in 1.904, the "Roberto" steam engine is compound bicylindrical and packs 120 horsepower. According to Jeszs,the engineer, its Yarrow boiler was originally coal operated but was converted to fuel oil during the fifties.

Its original design has suffered some changes over the years; for example, the bridge and the pump shelter in the original design were uncovered. The "Roberto" is a living museum of a bygone era of steamers and requires financial support so that it doesn't end up tied to the harbour, sadly stranded, or broken up for timber. If saved it could be housed in the future Maritime Museum of Vigo.

The "Roberto" in harbour. Date, Vigo 1910.

Some changes over the years

!Attention!

In 1.997 rusty in Vigo harbour.

CHARACTERISTICS VERSION R/C.

CHARACTERISTICS STATIC VERSION

Exactly the same, but not electric system

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