Migration to Australia, the Transition from Sail to Steam, and the SS Great Britain

Tim Hatton

No 20369, CEPR Discussion Papers from Centre for Economic Policy Research

Abstract: The transition from sail to steam for emigrant ships on the route to Australia took place in the early 1880s, nearly two decades later than on the route across the Atlantic. The lag can be accounted for by the incremental improvement in steam technology and by aspects of economic and business organisation. Most of the steamship ventures that were initiated failed, but with one important exception. Brunel’s pioneering steamship the SS Great Britain made 32 voyages to Australia from 1852 to 1875 with a total of nearly 16,000 passengers. The Great Britain’s success provides a unique perspective on why steam failed to rule the emigrant trade until the 1880s. Among the key features are the characteristics of the ship and the way it was adapted for the long voyage to the antipodes. Also important was the shrewd management of its owners, and an element of luck.

JEL-codes: F22 N77 O33 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025-06
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