MS Bergensfjord (1955)
Bergensfjord in the Port of Amsterdam
| |
History | |
---|---|
Name |
|
Operator |
|
Port of registry | Oslo |
Builder | Swan, Hunter & Wigham Richardson Ltd [2] |
Yard number | 1849 |
Launched | 18 July 1955 |
Completed | May 1956 |
In service | 1956 |
Fate | Burned and sunk, 1980 [1] |
General characteristics | |
Tonnage | 18.739 GRT |
Length | 176.26 m (578 ft 3 in) |
Beam | 22 m (72 ft 2 in) |
Draught | 8.41 m (27 ft 7 in) |
Installed power | 2 x Oil engines, 2SCDA, 8cyl (720 x 1100mm) [4] |
Speed | 23,5 Knots (44 km/h) |
Capacity | 878 passengers, 126 First Class, 752 Tourist Class [4] |
MS Bergensfjord was an
Career
Early years
In 1954, Norwegian America Line placed an order with Swan Hunter shipyard in Wallsend-on-Tyne, England for a new liner that would be an updated and improved version of MS Oslofjord. The ship had a longer aft superstructure than the Oslofjord for more passenger space, featured air conditioning throughout her passenger and crew area, and private bathrooms which were not common for ships of the time. She was also designed for easy conversion to a single-class ship with cruising duties in mind.[3] She had accommodations for 878 passengers but only 360 in cruising service. The ship measured 18,739 gross tons, was 176.26 m (578.3 ft) long, and has two 2SCDA 8cyl Oil engines which drove her at a top speed of 23.5 kn (43.5 km/h; 27.0 mph). The new ship was launched as intended in 1955 and was delivered to the line in May of 1956, setting out on her maiden voyage from Oslo to New York route on 31 May, arriving in New York harbor on 9 June.[4] From 1956-1971, Bergensfjord operated transatlantic crossings during the warmer months, with cruises during the winter. But as airline competition increased during the 1960s and ocean liners became less profitable, the company decided to put Bergensfjord up for sale.
Later years
After she was put up for sale, she was sold to the
Fate
On 27 August 1980 disaster struck. During her reconstruction, a fire broke out on board. It spread very rapidly, quickly consuming the ageing liner, and overnight she rolled over to starboard, coming to rest on the bottom of the shallow harbour. Her wreck still remained in her original position. [3]
References
- ^ a b c d "Bergensfjord postcards and photographs". simplonpc.
- ^ a b c "MS Bergensfjord, Tyne Built Ships". TYNE BUILT SHIPS.
- ^ a b c d "MS Bergensfjord (1956-1980)".
- ^ a b c "Rasa Sayang (ex. Bergensfjord) in Danish".