It was reported that: "The Osterley, 12,000 tons, a new steamer built for the Orient Steam Navigation Company, was to have been launched at Govan, Glasgow, yesterday (21 January 1909).

The vessel was released on the slip by the Countess of Jersey, but owing to frost affecting the grease the Osterley stopped 40 feet down the ways.

At the time of launching, and before it was fitted out, it was reported: "The Osterley, named after the country seat of Lord Jersey, is the third of the five 12,000 ton steamers ordered by the Orient Steam Navigation Company, Limited, to meet the requirements of the mail contract entered into with the Commonwealth Government.

Seven decks are to be built — boat, promenade, shelter, upper, main lower and orlop — and accommodation is to be provided for an exceptionally large number of passengers in three classes.

The features of the Osterley will be a divan smoking lounge, or winter garden, for the use of both sexes; a well-equipped library, an electric elevator to run from the main to the promenade decks; wireless telegraphic apparatus, which will be used as soon as land stations have been established on the Australian coast, a nursery for the children, and an up-to-date laundry.

Company, Limited, who arrived at Sydney yesterday from London, states that excellent progress is being made with the construction of the whole of the new steamers.

On arrival at Fremantle 10 September 1909, a summary report of the voyage to date was provided: "Running over 30 hours behind time, the R.M.S.

The time lost at Plymouth was, however, made up before Marseilles was reached, and a good run to Naples landed the Osterley at the Italian port well ahead of the mails.

The Osterley worked with the starboard engines from the time the piston bent, and did 15 knots regularly after the repairs had been effected.

The Osterley, like her sister ships, will be fitted with wireless telegraphy, but the Orient Company are waiting until the land stations have been erected before installing the system on their vessels.