The film shows various ships that are equipped with Ruston geared propulsion systems that enable power to be controlled from the bridge, reduces the need for large engines and optimises propulsion speed and the change from forward to reverse motion. We start with the tug boat 'Englishman' and see views of it at sea and in the engine room and bridge. Night shots of trawler boats followed by views of the Ross Fortune at Grimsby follow. We then see a fast patrol boat at sea that uses a Paxman Ventura engine. The next section shows the launch of the Wimbrown Three from Willington Quay on Tyneside in 1966 followed by views of the engine room and this offshore supply vessel at sea. The use of geared propulsion in car ferries is considered next with illustrations of systems and views of the Cerdic Ferry being unloaded. We then see stills of the Scilly Isles ferries the Scillonian and Queen of the Isles and graphics showing the financial savings of utilising geared propulsion. The final shot shows a tug towing the SS Nevasa.
Made by Turners Film Productions in collaboration with Publicity Services, Ruston and Hornsby Limited