Joseph D'Aguilar Samuda - Marine Engineering and Shipbuilding

Marine Engineering and Shipbuilding

Joseph and his brother Jacob set themselves up as marine and general engineers and shipbuilders on the Isle of Dogs . For the first ten years the company principally confined itself to the building of marine engines. In 1843 they entered the ship-building business, and from that time onward, notwithstanding the death of Jacob in an accident on the Thames, the firm was continuously engaged in constructing iron steamships for the Royal Navy, merchant marine, and passenger and mail services, besides royal yachts and river-boats. Many of these vessels were built under Samuda's personal superintendence. In 1860 Joseph helped to establish the Institute of Naval Architects, of which he was the first treasurer and subsequently a vice-president. He frequently contributed to its "Transactions." In 1862 he became a member of the Institution of Civil Engineers, to whose "Proceedings" he likewise contributed.