Probably not a great deal as there were very few aircraft and motor cars about then. Neither was there the vast chemical and plastic pollution that we have today. I believe that the big North Atlantic liners burned several thousand tons of coal just to get across the North Atlantic. Ships like the Baron Vernon were very much "small fry."

Bob

A modern bulk carrier of about 170,000 tons only burns about 49 tons a day, and has a crew of about 18. I would find sea life intolerable these days. In 1988 I was showing the chief radio officer of Queen Elizabeth 2 around my ship, the 24-year-old RMS St, Helena (3,150 gross tons and 76 passengers). We were docked next to each other in Cape Town. He had given us a tour of Queen Elizabeth 2 the day before. I noticed that after I had showed him round, he looked bit glum. So I added, "not much, but she suits me just fine." Much to my surprise, he said "I would change places with you any day!"

Bob

Edited By Bob Wilson on 19/12/2021 09:38:04