Had been titled one of the "Three Wise Men" from Arberdeen, Coutts was fundamental and the foundation to the innovative iron ship building industry in Tyneside.
Prince Albert; the first iron ship of substantial size to fare the seas and the river Thames.
had an auxiliary engine system—an extremely pioneering system—along with the very innovative feature, and a world's first, of a water ballast; it carried double bottoms.
She was designed to take emigrants to Australia and although she cost one-third more than similar vessels, the ship was three times more efficient with 280 cabins including 60 in first class.
The vessel overturned in a storm in The Downs on her maiden voyage with 300 passengers aboard; she had to be towed back to London at a cost of £3,000.