SS Sophocles was a 12,300-ton ocean liner of the Aberdeen Line launched in 1921, and later sold to the Shaw, Savill & Albion Line.

SS Sophocles at the Aberdeen Wharf at Millers Point, New South Wales, on 10 November 1923
History
United Kingdom
Name
  • SS Sophocles
  • Tamaroa
Operator
RouteUK to New Zealand
BuilderHarland & Wolff, Belfast
Yard number575
Launched22 September 1921
Completed2 February 1922
FateScrapped Faslane 1957
General characteristics
TypePassenger ship
Tonnage12,375 GRT
Length500 ft 3 in (152.48 m)
Beam63 ft 1 in (19.23 m)
Depth of hold39 ft 6 in (12.04 m)
Installed power5,200 s.h.p.
Propulsion2 × Steam turbines
Speed13.5 knots (25.0 km/h; 15.5 mph)

Ship history

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Sophocles was built at the Harland and Wolff yard in Belfast. She and her sister ship SS Diogenes, like other Aberdeen Line ships were conceived primarily as cargo vessels. Sophocles had accommodation for 130 first class and 420 third class passengers.

In 1926, Sophocles and Diogenes were chartered by Shaw, Savill & Albion for the New Zealand trade. The third class accommodation was greatly improved and both ships benefitted from conversion from coal burning to oil, which brought an increase in speed to 15 knots, for the cost of £70,000 each. At this time Sophocles was renamed Tamaroa and Diogenes was renamed Mataroa.

 
SS Tamaroa refuelling at Curacao in 1956

During World War II Tamaroa served as a troopship during the North African campaign. At the end of hostilities, she was refitted for tourist class only and served on the UK-Panama Canal-New Zealand route until her scrapping in 1957.[1]

References

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Notes

  1. ^ Dunn, Laurence (1964). Famous liners of the past - Belfast Built. London: Adlard Coles Ltd.

Bibliography

  • Famous liners of the past - Belfast Built - Laurence Dunn, 1964