MS Stockholm: The Turbulent Birth of a Swedish Liner
The story of the MS Stockholm is one of resilience and misfortune. Intended to be a crown jewel for the Swedish American Line, the vessel's journey from the drawing board to the open sea was marred by a catastrophic fire and the geopolitical chaos of World War II.
The First MS Stockholm (1938)
In November 1936, the Swedish American Line commissioned the Italian shipyard Cantieri Riuniti dell' Adriatico to build a new luxury liner. The ship, named the Stockholm, was projected for delivery in March 1939. After a successful launch from dry dock on May 29, 1938, the vessel was moved to a fitting-out berth—the stage of construction where internal systems, furniture, and final equipment are installed.
However, tragedy struck on the night of December 19, 1938. A fire broke out on board for reasons that remain unknown to this day. The firefighting efforts were severely hindered by strong winds and the release of toxic gases. To combat the flames, firefighters were forced to spray massive quantities of water onto the ship from the exterior.
This strategy proved fatal for the vessel's buoyancy. The sheer volume of water caused the ship to lose stability and sink right in her berth. A subsequent inspection revealed that the ship was beyond salvage, with the exception of a few engine components. By 1939, the remains of the first MS Stockholm were scrapped.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]The Second MS Stockholm (1941)
Undeterred by the loss, the Swedish American Line negotiated with the shipyard to build a replacement. This second vessel was also named the Stockholm and was constructed using the original plans. To maximize efficiency, the shipyard utilized salvageable parts from the first wreck and equipment that had not yet been installed on the original ship.
The second MS Stockholm was launched on March 10, 1940. Despite the escalating conflict of World War II across Europe, construction continued until the ship was ready for delivery in October 1941. The vessel even completed its trial runs sporting the official Swedish American Line livery.
Despite being completed, the ship's destiny changed due to the war. Transatlantic services had been suspended, and the risk of transporting the vessel from Italy to neutral Sweden was deemed too high. Consequently, the Swedish American Line declined to take delivery.
On November 3, 1941, the ship was sold to the Italian government. She was renamed the MS Sabaudia and converted into a troopship to serve the Italian war effort.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Key Facts
- Original Order: Placed in November 1936 by the Swedish American Line.
- Shipyard: Cantieri Riuniti dell' Adriatico, Italy.
- First Vessel Fate: Sank in her fitting-out berth on December 19, 1938, due to firefighting water.
- Second Vessel Launch: March 10, 1940.
- Final Disposition: Sold to the Italian government on November 3, 1941, and renamed MS Sabaudia.
| Feature | First MS Stockholm | Second MS Stockholm |
|---|---|---|
| Launch Date | May 29, 1938 | March 10, 1940 |
| Outcome | Sunk/Scrapped | Sold to Italian Government |
| Final Name | MS Stockholm | MS Sabaudia |
| Primary Use | Intended Passenger Liner | Troopship |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the first MS Stockholm sink?
The ship sank because firefighters pumped massive amounts of water into the vessel to extinguish a fire. This caused the ship to lose stability and sink in its fitting-out berth.
What happened to the parts of the first ship?
While most of the ship was scrapped by 1939, certain engine components and equipment that had not yet been installed were salvaged and used to build the second MS Stockholm.
Why didn't the Swedish American Line take delivery of the second ship?
The company decided against it because World War II had suspended transatlantic services and it was considered too dangerous to move the ship from Italy to neutral Sweden.
What was the second MS Stockholm renamed?
After being sold to the Italian government in November 1941, the ship was renamed the MS Sabaudia.
What role did the MS Sabaudia play?
The vessel was converted from a passenger liner into a troopship for the Italian government during World War II.