Esso Boston Launched On September 28, 1960. The modern supertanker's bunting caught the breeze as she went down Shipway 9 after a perfect christening by Mrs. Parker. Our Hull No. 541, the second of a new class of 48,800-ton supertankers for Esso Standard, Division of Humble Oil and Refining Company, was christened Esso Boston on September 28 by Mrs. George M. Parker, wife of the President of Esso Export Corporation. The instant following Mrs. Parker’s perfect smash of the netted champagne bottle on the bow at noon, the 740-foot black and maroon hull went smoothly down the ways into the James River. Instructed in her christening duties by Shipyard President W. E. Blewett, Jr., the Sponsor had as her Matron of Honor her daughter-in-law, Mrs. Treadway C. Parker. Just a few minutes before the time of launching, the sun broke through the day’s heavy overcast for the first time to brighten the scene at Shipway No. 9. The colorful dresses of the Sponsors party and special guests from New York and Boston stood out against the ship’s huge bulbous bow. Named for that historic seaport, the City of Boston, the ship attracted a delegation of civic and business leaders from that city. Headed by the Honorable John P. McMorrow, Deputy Mayor of Boston and the Honorable Philip P. Crowley, Mayor of Everett, the Boston group, who flew to Newport News for  the occasion, included several Boston City Councilmen and their wives. The modern supertanker is a sister ship of the Esso Baltimore, Our Hull No. 540, which was launched last April and delivered to her owners in July. The streamlined new design is equipped with the latest in machinery and equipment, and has exceptionally fine accommodations for the crew. Following her delivery, the Esso Baltimore was proudly displayed to the public by her owners, and drew thousands of visitors during "open house" at Baltimore and New York. Designed to be the largest and most efficient bulk oil carriers that can operate safely in the Gulf and East Coast trade, they will carry 417,840 barrels in their 55 cargo tanks. Their turbines, also built by the Shipyard, are geared for a speed of 17.5 knots. The Esso Boston is the 39th ship built here for Esso Standard since the association between the two firms began before World War I. The sponsors of four of those vessels attended this launching to advise and lend moral support to Mrs. Parker. They are: Mrs. Emile E. Soubry_ who christened the Esso Stockholm (1949); Mrs. William  Haley, who sponsored the Esso Santos (1950); Mrs. W. R. Stott, sponsor of the  Esso Gettysburg (1956), and Mrs. Harold W. Fisher, who was the sponsor for the Esso Jamestown (1957). All are the wives of directors or former directors of Standard Oil Company Principals at the ESSO BOSTON christening. From left, George M. Parker, President, Essa Export Corp., and husband of the Sponsor; President W. E. Blewett, Jr.; the Sponsor, Mrs. Parker; Mrs. Treadway C. Parker, the Sponsor's Matron of Honor and daughter-in-law; Treadway C. Parker, and Mrs. Blewert. Others in the immediate christening party included the Sponsor’s husband, George M. Parker, and their sons, Treadway C. Parker and Thomas Parker, Greenwich, Conn.; Mr. and Mrs. W. R. Carlisle of New York City; Mr. and Mrs. David Day, South Laguna, Cal.; Mr. and Mrs. Josiah M. Erickson, Greenwich, Conn.; Harry Knight of Noroton, Conn.; Mr. and Mrs. K. R. McMath, Rye, N. Y.; Mr. and Mrs. Robert H. Milbrath, Westport, Conn.; Mrs. H. A. Metzger, New York City; Mr. and Mrs. G. M. Parker; Mr. and Mrs. Carl H. Schlapp, Jr., St. Louis, Mo., and O. H. Simonds of Essex Falls, N. Y. Among those from Humble Oil and Refining Company were Executive Vice President William Naden;  Vice President E. D. Reeves, and Mrs. Reeves; Vice President H. W. Ferguson, and Mrs. Ferguson; and Vice President H. P. Pressler, and Mrs. Presslet, all of Houston, Texas. Members of Esso Standard Division's Board of Management included President and Mrs. W. W. Bryan; Mr. and Mrs. F. P. Hagaman; Mr. and Mrs. T. W. Moore, and Mr. and Mrs. j. P. Warner, all of New York City. The Esso groups, who arrived by plane, also included J. D. Rogers and Mr. and Mrs. William Elmer, Jr. Luncheon for the launching party was served at the James River Country Club. The launching was open to the public and attracted a crowd of about 1,000 spectators. After completion of her outfitting, Esso Boston is scheduled for sea trials by mid-November, and delivery later that month. The Sponsor, ranked by four Sponsors of Previous Esso tankers. From left, Mrs. W. R. Start; Mrs. Horoid W. Fisher; Mrs. Parker; Mrs. William J. Huley, and Mrs. Emile E. Soubry.