ILLUSTRATION: HÅKAN SJÖSTRÖM

“Cirrus” – a Swedish beauty

The Göteborg ship owner Transatlantic started its liner traffic to Australia in 1907 with the steamers “Australic” and “Tasmanic”. The traffic grew rapidly and after the end of World War II, two motor vessels were ordered from Götaverken to meet the competition from the English liner operators.

This resulted in the first two vessels of “cloud”-type, “Nimbus” and “Stratus”, which were delivered in 1947 and 1948. Their deadweight was about 9,000 tonnes and they were primarily intended for strengthening Transatlantic’s position in the profitable wool shipments. The newbuildings were also equipped with refrigerated cargo holds for transport of fresh fruits. They were designed for a high service speed of 19.5 knots.
“Nimbus” and “Stratus” had not even been delivered before Transatlantic ordered a further two vessels for the same trade from Götaverken in March 1946. These were somewhat larger and had a deadweight of 10,000 tonnes. The order books at the shipyards were filled up at that time, and the first one could not be launched until January 30, 1950. The vessel was named “Cirrus” by Mrs Karin Hegardt. The delivery took place on July 31 the same year, and under the command of Gunnar Taube she entered the Australian trade.
All the vessels of “cloud”-type (“Nimbus”, “Stratus”, “Cirrus” and “Cumulus”) drew much attention wherever they arrived. Their beauty and speed was treated with respect by their competitors and the “greyhounds” turned out to be very useful for Transatlantic and gave them much joy.
“Cirrus” sailed for many years on the trade between Europe and Australia. Finally, when the competition became too fierce from the container vessels she was transferred to the company’s West Africa service. “Cirrus’” main engine was quite thirsty and it was suitable to use her on a trade with long stays at port.
In January 1976, “Cirrus” had been in Transatlantic’s service for 26 years. Now her time had come to an end under the Swedish flag. On February 13, she sailed from Göteborg for Rouen under the new name of “Polydoros” with Polydoros Compania Naviera, Piraeus, its new owner.
The following year, the Greek owner renamed her “Kastor” and she continued in service for that company until May 28, 1982. On that day this beautiful liner arrived at her last destination – Gadani Beach in Pakistan – to be broken up.

//Krister Bång

Back to SSG 8, 17 April

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