Comet

steamship

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June 24, 2026

Quick Summary

The Comet was the first commercially successful steamship in Europe, launched in 1812 by Scottish engineer Henry Bell. This 28-ton vessel operated on the Clyde River, carrying passengers and cargo and heralding the era of steam navigation in Europe.1

In the United States, Robert Fulton designed the Fulton, the first steam-powered warship, launched in 1814. This wooden catamaran frigate was intended for harbor defense and was propelled by a single paddle wheel. Despite mounting 32 guns, the Fulton never went to sea and was destroyed in an explosion in 1829.2

Early steamships were paddle-driven and limited to shorter routes due to concerns about fuel capacity. However, advancements in the 1830s, particularly by I.K. Brunel, led to larger iron steamships capable of oceanic travel, eventually displacing sailing ships on major trade routes.3

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Henry Bell
Bell’s own steamship, the 28-ton Comet, was launched from Port Glasgow in 1812 and subsequently carried passengers and cargo along the Clyde River. The success of this vessel heralded the era of steam navigation in Europe.
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Bell’s own steamship, the 28-ton Comet, was launched from Port Glasgow in 1812 and subsequently carried passengers and cargo along the Clyde River. The success of this vessel heralded the era of steam navigation in Europe.
Read More