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Diesel Power Drives History Ship
01 Oct 2007
'Amistad' a recreation of a 19th century schooner, visited the Port of London UK last month as part of its “Atlantic Freedom Tour”. A pair of Cat 3304B marine engines supported the vessel while it was navigating the River Thames.
The original 'La Amistad' became famous in 1839 when 53 Africans sold as slaves seized the schooner and tried to return to Africa in it. This year’s voyage, organised by the non-profit educational foundation Amistad America Inc, will retrace the slave industry triangle with stops at more than a dozen Atlantic ports that played a significant role in the trade and reflect today’s social, political and cultural diversity.
Amistad number two was built at Mystic Seaport Museum, Mystic, Connecticut USA between 1998 and 2000. Caterpillar supported the initiative by donating two Cat 3304B marine engines rated 104 kW (140 hp) at 2,000 rpm to Amistad America, Inc.
'Since the schooner left New Haven, Connecticut USA on 21 June the Caterpillar engines have given us a smooth journey across the ocean and off the UK', said Amistad engineer Ben Clarkson
Amistad’s next port of call will be Lisbon, Portugal, then on to West Africa. Further information about the Amistad Atlantic Freedom Tour can be found at www.amistadamerica.org.
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