The official SS Maritime "Save the Classic Liners Campaign"

The M/S Augustus – Philippines is featured down the page

 

Provided by www.timeanddate.com/clocks/free.html

 

Welcome to the new “Save the Classic Liners Campaign” site, I also suggest that you also visit ssMaritime.com and discover over 300 classic liners from nations around the world! In due course this site will feature many ships that are in danger of being sold and scrapped and one such ship is of course the mighty American giant of the sea the SS United States, lovingly known as the “BIG U.

Reuben Goossens - founder of the "Save the Classic Liner Campaign" in 1999I need to make it clear that not all classic/vintage ships can or should be saved, but there are ships that are particularly noteworthy, such as the SS United States and other ships that are unique and cannot be replaced and these ships have a history that needs to be maintained for our future generations. One such ship is the Italian liner Augustus, currently in Manila the Philippines and is used as an overflow hotel named MS Philippines. There are a good few other ships, but I will deal with them in due course. Below my story on the MV Doulos and MV Royal Star,

The page commences with recent “Ships Saved”, either by this, or other campaigns.

I will deal with the following ships in crisis, thus, click the ships name and you will go directly to the ship of your choice.

1. SS United States - NEW GREAT news update – Saved!

2. MV AkdenizThe last great surviving Turkish Liner/cruise ship

3. MS Kungsholm (currently the MS Mona Lisa) – Saved????

4. SS Platinum II ex SS Independence. New Images & Videos.

5. MV Queen Elizabeth 2 what will become of her?

6. MS Philippines ex MS Augustus

7. MV Baragoola a proud Australian. Built as a steamship in 1922.

Also online is my NEW feature Classic Ocean Voyages. This feature covers some of the superb classic cruise ships still sailing having been saved from SOLAS 2010, and believe me, they are in fine shape and will sail on for some time yet!

Reuben Goossens.

What Ships have been recently Saved by this Campaign, or others?

MV Doulos

Currently named “Doulos Phos”

Recently this Campaign has been involved and saved several ships from the breakers, notably the 95 year old MV Doulos, built in 1914 as the SS Medina, later the passenger liner SS Roma, Costa Line liner and the luxury cruise ship MS Franca C, to be sold in 1977 to a Christian group who used her as an outreach vessel and a book shop visiting hundreds of countries around the world, specialising in Muslim lands! The Doulos was officially decommissioned on December 31, 2009.

The ships owners, OM Ships, based in Germany, was ready to sell her to the breakers in Alang India, however in order to stop that I commenced a campaign and OM was bombarded with emails from around the world with protests and thankfully they changed their minds and eventually sold the ship to one of the buyers I have been dealing with, being a Singaporean group who will now use her as a Maritime Museum, Hotel, Restaurants and Cafes, as well as having a Christian facility in one part of the ship, thus continuing her past longstanding role in some way!

They have renamed her Doulos Phos, which is Greek for “Servant Light.” The Doulos was officially handed over to Mr. Eric Saw and his delightful family in Singapore on March 18, 2010, in the presence of Ken Miller who came over from Germany. During the process of OM Ships attempting to sell the Doulos I was in contact with all three prospective buyers. These being: 1. Dr. David Reddy of Ships Ministry in South Africa, 2. Mr Eric Saw and family of BizNaz Resources International Pte Ltd, and 3. My good friend, Dr. Daniel Chae PhD, ex Managing Director of the Doulos of Korea, who I sailed with in 2008. I am overjoyed with the outcome and this ship will continue long into the future!

MV Doulos saved from the breakers by "Save the Classic Liners Campaign"

The Doulos is seen berthed in Singapore on February 25, 2010 – Now saved!

Photographed by and © copyright 2010 Stewart Mandy

I believe this, the rescue of the Doulos from the breakers hands, to be one of my finest victories, as this is the worlds oldest motor ship that can still technically operate, although she will now be permanently berthed in Singapore. Many of her features date back to 1914, such as her Bridge and many other interesting items! This ship is one of a kind and she was built just two years after the ill-fated Titanic! I certainly trust that the Doulos Phos will have a long and prosperous life in Singapore as her new owners are very special people and have a vision for her!

Visit my MV Doulos feature

 

Visit the Doulos Phos website in Singapore

(Read about their Riverboat and then click on the Doulos Phos image at the top of the page)

 

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MV Royal Star

The second ship saved is now named the PV Ocean Mist, which was originally the ex Adriatica Line MS Giorgio built in 1956, which later became better known as modern cruise ship MV Royal Star.

Late last year she was sold by auction to a well known businessman in Mombasa who had her repaired and refitted at his own shipyard and she has now returned to cruise duties. She has been named PV Ocean Mist and is operated by a new company simply named “PV Ocean Mist Cruises” based in Mombasa.

PV Ocean Mist retuning to Mombasa from her shake down cruise in March 2010

Provided by PV Ocean Mist Cruises

 

Enter my MS San Giorgio feature

 

Also the PV Ocean Mist cruise ship feature

However, sadly the vast majority of the great and lesser known classic ships have been sold to be broken up, such as the great SS Norway, ex SS France, the MS Regal Empress, ex TSS Olympia, with the most recent being the delightful ex MS Ausonia which arrived at Alang only on March 3, 2010.

Please Note: Details of all the other classic ships in crisis are located below the following feature.

 

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MS Kristina Regina has been Saved!

 

Previously the SS Bore

 

MS Kristina Regina, ex SS Bore, was photographed by the author in Gibraltar on August 29, 2009

Photograph by & copyright © 2009 Reuben Goossens

The classic cruise ship the MS Kristina Regina has been saved from the breakers. She will head for Turku Finland where she will be moored in the river Aura to be given her original name “Bore”, and converted into a Hotel ship and a Museum. I have been advised that the Bore will also be painted back in her original buff hull, including the yellow funnel green and white bands (see image below), etc, which is great news!

She is seen here as the Bore

Official postcard – author’s private collection

Below is the official news item sent to me from Finland, which was kindly translated from the Web on www.ts.fi/online/kotimaa/149501.html into English by past SS Bore passenger and ship lover, Simo Vihjanen. Thank you, it is greatly appreciated! This is obviously big news in Scandinavia, especially in Finland where this ship is great loved!

“M/S Regina becoming a museum ship in Turku is certain. The Kotka based shipping company who owns the ship has signed the sales agreement on Thursday. The buyer is the Turku Company whose Chairman of the Board is Johnny Sid who also tried to rescue the to-be-scrapped Finnjet. The parties have agreed not to disclose the price of the ship.

The ship was originally built for the route between Turku and Stockholm, and its original name was S/S Bore. People in Turku remember her as "Bore Zero". The new owner will moor the ship on the river Aura.

The plan at the moment is to place her between Suomen Joutsen and Sigyn, in the place where M/S Estelle is moored now.  The ship will get back the original colours and the original name s/s Bore. The museum hotel will have accommodation for 250 visitors, and most of the cabins will be for two persons.

The ship will be handed over to the new owner in the beginning of September. The hotel will open in September, too. There will be a restaurant on board.

The ship is in good shape. Its has made a number of voyages to different parts of Europe, the Arctic region, and the African coast. It is taken out of active service due to the fact that the new maritime security regulations do not allow such a great amount of wood used in the ship interior as there is in Kristina Regina.

At this moment, the Kristina Regina is in Greenland, and it will arrive via Iceland to Finland in August.

The ship served Kristina Cruises Company for over 20 years. According to the company she has visited 216 harbours in 40 different countries.”

Another fine ship has been saved for the future for the younger generations to value and enjoy the great shipbuilding days of yesteryear!

The Kristina Regina seen from the decks of the Dawn Princess, whilst the author was on his

106 night world cruise Sydney/Sydney/Brisbane – seen at Gibraltar August 29, 2009

In this image the addition of her aft extension is clearly visible

Photograph by & copyright © 2009 Reuben Goossens

 

Enter the SS Bore / MS Kristina Regina feature

 

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Save the Classic Liners Campaign

SS United States

 

The great SS United States has been obtained by the "United States Conservancy" - Please help them financially!

SS United States seen berthed at Philadelphia looking a sad ship indeed mostly due to NCL Cruises neglect!

Photograph by © Ryan Rea 

The SS United States is the largest American designed and built Trans-Atlantic liner, as well as being the world’s fastest! She was awarded the much desired Blue Riband on her maiden voyage in July 1952 for both her east and west bound voyages. She reached a maximum declared speed of 36.8 knots and an average of 35.59 knots on the eastward voyage. This greatest of all American liners was unique in every possible way, for she was built in all metal and aluminium alloy, as there was no timber to be found on board, except for butchers blocks and pianos. Her funnels and superstructure were completely constructed of aluminium alloy. SS United States became a star in her own right and many stars and famous individuals sailed on her.

Sadly, today she awaits her future in Philadelphia where she is still laid up and her current owner Asian based Casino operator - Star Cruises who control NCL Cruises have placed her on the market. However, there is a superb campaign on the way to save this grandest of all ships, a ship that has been placed on the American "National Register of Historic Places" and we hope that this will give her some protection! However, we all know that Star/NCL has the worst reputation when it comes to truthfulness for all we have to do is look at what they said and did with the SS Norway and SS Independence. They lied in both cased and secretly sold both ships to the Indians!

Please support the SS United States Conservancy and visit their website at: http://ssunitedstatesconservancy.org.

--SS United States - News Updates--

Great News for the SS United States

July 2: As I already stated back in April 2010, that an agreement to buy the historic SS United States for $3 million by the “United States Conservancy” has now become a reality, although back on April 20, I had no details and it was not official, but thankfully, it has proved to be true! Now this fine American liner will not be heading the breakers, although I was advised that Indian breakers had offered several million dollars more for her than NCL accepted for her. Obviously NCL is attempting to win back their lost American support from the massive loss of passenger numbers due the sale of the fine American ship SS Independence, first sold to an in-house company the California Manufacturing Co, based in the NCL head office in Florida, who renamed her Oceanic, who in turn sold her to an Indian who ONLY buys for Indian breakers, They renamed her Platinum II and she is currently just off the coast of Alang and will soon be broken up. In addition there was the long NCL/Star Cruises tragedy of the SS Norway, ex SS France also sold to Alang and broken up after a long fight by this campaign and a long court case! However, we can be joyful that at least this fine ship is being saved and that she will survive like the SS Rotterdam, and I pray that the United States will receive the kind of support and financial backing as that tiny nation. Apparently a substantial amount of the funding for the ship is being provided because of the generosity of Mr. Gerry Lenfest a Philadelphia philanthropist.

The next step is that the sale still has to pass the EPA – being the American “Environmental Protection Agency” concerns related to any toxin’s that may still remain on the ship, especially in her paint on her hull, etc.

Captain Dan McSweeney the Executive Director of the “United States Conservancy” stated that for the Conservancy becoming the potential owner is “an eye-opening experience for us.” said Dan McSweeney, the conservancy's executive director.  As part of the package the United States Conservancy will have to pay the $60,000 a month fee for upkeep of the ship in Philadelphia, where it is berthed.

WE do need to remember is this, even if all should go well, it will be a long time before we will see this great liner back at a berth and open to the public, for she is mostly an empty shell and all her luxury fittings have now long gone. Whilst she was in Turkey to have al the asbestos removed in 1999 her interiors were gutted down to mostly the bare metal, and therefore in order to go and explore the ship today you will need a torch (flashlight) to manage your way around. Her accommodations can only ne seen form markings on the floor that show where the walls once were.

However, at this time she is safe and now it is up to all those who have a desire to see her saved and restored that can play a part in having her saved for the future on a long term basis!

We need to understand that the conservancy’s exclusive agreement with NCL to buy the ship expires in February. Under the agreement with Mr. Lenfest the philanthropist, the group has 20 months of financial support to develop a long-term plan that would eventually make the ship financially self-supporting, but we need your financial support NOW and you can do that in a number of ways, like becoming a plank owner. I have and have certainly purchased more than one, so please follow my lead and start by doing this. They will email you a beautiful certificate that you can print and frame, I have them all framed and they look great!

Please assist the United States Conservancy to turn the SS United States into a fine waterfront maritime museum, hotel, tourist centre and convention centre, or whatever they decide she is best suited for. The have a superb board of people and I am assured that they will make all the right decisions!

Reuben Goossens.

Buy a Plank TODAY - It is only $25

A reduced version of the Plank Owners certificate - shown framed by myself

Please do NOT copy – it is under Copyright © 2010 - S.S. United States Conservancy

Remember, I am an Australian and I believe that the S.S. United States is not just a ship for American’s, but she is a Ship for all Nations to enjoy – I hope to see her one day in New York City looking her beautiful old self!

Click the LOGO above to become a “Plank Owner”

Please become a “Plank Owner” by donating $25 for a single plank, but buy more than one! Visit: www.ssusplankowner.org and there you can donate! I am a multiple “Plank Owner”, thus PLEASE join me and support this great American ship and help to save her and ensure that she will have a great future!

Also Visit http://ssunitedstatesconservancy.org for further news and articles on the ship

June 20: On July 1, a major shipside event will be held in Philadelphia and an announcement will be made that evening regarding the ships future. I assume that it will be related to my item I listed below dated “April 2010”, well at least I hope so, and should this prove to be correct we will have much to celebrate.

The ship during this event will be floodlit and there will be music and many special guests. Go to http://ssunitedstatesconservancy.org for further details.

In the meantime please become a “Plank Owner” by donating $25 for a single plank. Visit: www.ssusplankowner.org and there you can donate! I am a multiple “Plank Owner”, thus PLEASE join me and support this great American ship and help to save her and ensure that she will have a great future!

April 2010: Please note the following advice is yet to be confirmed!

Although I have been advised that a private investor has purchased SS United States for an estimated US$3 million and that it is hoped that some of the preservation groups will join forces, etc, and that after a massive refit she will become a viable museum and tourist centre. Apparently the sale was arranged with “an arm of NCL.” However, to date no further details have been made available and there has been NO announcements made at this time. Yet the source who advised me is most viable and reliable! I was told that the SS United States will remain at her Philadelphia berth until further notice and that she should be there for a considerable time as yet. I hope to have some more concrete news soon, for let’s face it we certainly cannot trust Star/NCL, for let’s face nobody does? They have the worst record on earth to date when it comes to telling the truth! Right, Colin Veitch?

Enter my SS United States feature

 

Remember who destroyed SS Norway, SS Independence & now …

possibly the SS United States with their lies and deceit!

NCL/NCL America & Star Cruises  - owned by the Asian Genting Casino Corp

Please Do NOT cruise with them!

 

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Save the MV Akdeniz

Working together - Reuben Goossens founder - “SCLC” - “Save The Classic Liners Campaign

And Dr. Ata Bilgili, Maritime Faculty, Istanbul Technical University Tuzla, Istanbul

 

Classic cruise ship - MV Akdeniz was and remains the Pride of Turkey!

With her white lifeboats we see her here in her days as a full time cruise ship

Photographer unknown – *See Photo notes at bottom of the page

Sent in by a UK supporter

The author, being the founder of the original “Save The Classic Liners Campaign” and Dr Ata Bilgili of Istanbul have now commenced the “Save the MV Akdeniz Campaign” and we hope that this fine all original ship will receive your support and from all over the world, for she is unique! I need genuine ship lovers to get behind her for this is indeed a remarkable ship! How many ships do you know that has not been modified or rebuilt in some way? MS Akdeniz is an original that has proudly sailed under the Turkish flag for 42 years and she has served the academic community since 1998.

Maritime historian Peter Knego has visited the Akdeniz when he was in Turkey on a cruise, and the author also visited her on September 8, 2009, when in Turkey and had an most enjoyable time with his wonderful host Dr. Bilgili.

The author on the Bridge

Photograph taken by Dr, Ata Bilgili – © Reuben Goossens

Although she is currently in fulltime use and there is certainly no indication that she is about to be sold. However, as we have experienced with other ships, it is preferable to be well prepared in advance. Without doubt, this ship is unique to any other classic ship that may come on the market at this time for the reason that she is an original and totally unspoilt! There are several possibilities that we could consider for her future:

1... Reclassification: This will mean that we could keep Akdeniz operational but with a crew of around 36, and use her locally or even internationally as an emergency accommodation and/or a hospital ship, should there be a need. For the rest of the time she can continue as a floating student Faculty in Turkey as well in overseas ports. But this will take a considerable investment.

2... Hotel & Maritime Museum: Akdeniz also has all the makings of a superb boutique Hotel and Maritime Museum in Turkey her homeland! However, I also believe that this genuinely classic ship would do Germany very proud considering that she is the ONLY and the LAST of the fine German passenger ships built of the mid fifties and still very much afloat and operational. In addition she is in an excellent interior condition. As a Classic Boutique Hotel & Maritime Museum in Bremen she would certainly make a fine tourist attraction in Germany, or Turkey for that matter!

MV Akdeniz seen at Tuzla on September 8, 2009

She is currently used as a University maritime training and student accommodation ship

Photograph by © Reuben Goossens

Whilst I was on board I noted that the ship is in great need of maintenance and she does need to be dry-docked and have her hull taken care off, as well a great deal of rust work needs to be done, there is also decking that needs reworking. Obviously, there is a need to update and refit her in certain areas and this can be accomplished with funding! Can you help?

Dr. Ata Bilgili and the MV Akdeniz in Tuzla Turkey

Photograph by © Peter Knego

If there are any further ideas or special interest in this fine ship - please Email me - info@ssmaritime.com for details.

This is a superb looking classic ship and this is the way we want her to stay!

 

Enter my MV Akdeniz feature

 

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MS Kungsholm IV

Later to become: MV Sea Princess 1978—1995, Victoria 1995—2002

Mona Lisa 2002—2007, Oceanic II 2007—2008, Mona Lisa 2008 – 2010

 

Let's try and save this fine ship before it is too late!

Although seen as built, MS Kungsholm is seen here under the ownership of Flagship Cruises in 1976

Photographer unknown – *See Photo notes at bottom of the page 

MS Kungsholm was built in 1966 by the John Brown & Company shipyard in Clydebank, Scotland to serve as both an ocean liner and a cruise ship for the Swedish American Line. When sold in 1978 to P&O England to become the Sea Princess she was extensively rebuilt as a full-time cruise ship which saw her external appearance change dramatically with the removal of her forward funnel and deck closures and extensions, etc. She became a popular cruise ship and has also sailed under the names MV Victoria and MV Oceanic II and is currently operating under charter to the German Lord Nelson Seereisen until August 2010 as the Mona Lisa. However with SOLAS 2010 regulation coming into effect in October her future is now unsure.

Many of my readers will be aware that Mr. Lars Hallgren has been working for years to bring this great ship back to Sweden and have her restored to her original two funnelled glory days! And if I say so he has done an excellent job indeed! Funding has been set into place and all was going well, UNTIL a very sad release on his website on June 13.

News Updates: These items are sourced from the wonderful Web Site by Mr. Lars Hemingstam and I am most grateful for the superb wok done by him and Mr. Lars Hallgren who has worked endlessly to save this fine ship!

July 27, 2010: The following is the latest news item taken from www.salship.se/news.asp as Mr Lars Hallgren wrote:

“ … the City of Stockholm is showing great interest in harbouring the Kungsholm. The city authorities have appointed a project manager to supervise the project. The goal is to find a berthing site before September! This is an exciting new development of this story.”

Although this seems to be a change of heart by the authorities, let’s hope that something will come from it and that Mona Lisa’s owner is willing to wait, before they will sell her as her owners has placed her on the market.

July 24, 2010: “Shame on him who gives up! On Saturday (today) the Mona Lisa arrived in Stockholm at 0730. I will be on board along with various people, including representatives from City Hall and the Harbour Master of Stockholm harbour. We have for some time been working hard in an attempt to try to find a long term solution, which means that the ship from September to May can serve as student housing facility in Stockholm. After this period, we will attempt to retain the ship to serve as a hotel, but also having a dorm room, maybe 100-200 rooms to the crew cabins. But again, we have problems with the ship's depth and possible placement. The problem is greatest during the summer months when the cruise ships berth needs. We have worked through the problems and opportunities. We have discussed with insurance companies, etc. We shall see where that goes, but all parties involved are making a serious attempt to save the ship from going the scrap yard and her death. Kind regards. Lars.” (Translated from Swedish using a translator).

The Mona Lisa is seen in her homeport Stockholm on July 24, 2010

Photograph by and © 2010 Lars Hemingstam - www.salship.se/news.asp

June 13, 2010: There are many who love the beautiful MS Kungsholm, as well as this ship in her various guises, but I am sure that the current news will make supporters of the ongoing Swedish campaign very sad, for all their hard fought plans have come to an end due to the same problems encountered in Germany for the T/S Hamburg (Maxim Gorkiy) as well as other ships I the past. Sadly once again stupid Politicians would not permit her a berth in Sweden and see one of the last great Swedish liners restored to her original great self, complete with her two funnels and have her restored in a similar fashion as the Holland America Line liner SS Rotterdam has been, a ship that has been successfully opened as a hotel in her homeport earlier this year!

However, we should congratulate and remain forever grateful to Mr. Lars Hallgren for his excellent efforts to save this superb ship for who would have believed that the politicians in Gothenburg would not welcome the great Kungsholm back into their harbour and show their future generations of the greatness of the Swedish liners of yesteryear, especially considering that all financing had already been secured.

As Mr. Lars Hemingstam wrote on www.salship.se/news.asp; “Everyone has to admire Mr Hallgren's ambition, planning and perseverance managing this four year project. However there were too many unforeseen obstacles along the way, from unpredictable sources. Let us hope now that the remaining works of art on board the ship somehow will be preserved in a museum.”

As of today I am adding the MS Kungsholm/Mona Lisa to this campaign page and simply hope and pray that somehow, somewhere there is a buyer out there that has the money to save and restore her and make her a viable product! Email me - info@ssmaritime.com.

Reuben Goossens.

Time is short - we need a buyer NOW!

MS Mona Lisa as she is today

From the author’s collection

 

Visit my NEW MS Kungsholm IV Feature

 

Also visit: www.salship.se/kung.asp

 

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SS Platinum II – ex Independence

Sadly she is now a doomed ship!

SS Independence is sadly a doomed ship!

June 2010: The tragedy is that the SS Platinum II has been languishing close to the beach off Alang and time and the sea have slowly taken their toll, although I feel that man may even have had a hand in it as well as the damage is simply far too great, as the two photographs below prove.

Look at what NCL & Star Cruises has done to an American flagged ship

SS Platinum II as she is today just off the Alang beach – NCL & Indian’s have won again!

Photograph sent in by James Hood, but the photographer is unknown – *See photo notes at bottom

 

Look at what NCL & Star Cruises has done to an American flagged ship

What a tragic sight - SS Platinum II slowly breaking up before our eyes!

Photograph sent in by James Hood, but the photographer is unknown – *See photo notes at bottom

Six New SS Independence Videos

Paul Fehling has posted five videos on YouTube of the fine American liner S.S. Independence and I suggest that you watch it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_WpbVHTeuFA / http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sTHS0WDdM-M

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nBHwOtQeaCQ / http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mbd_yB9_SiA

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Q5f1le9VCE&feature=related

In addition there is another, but far more tragic video entitled “SS Independence Alang Bound The Breakers Lament” by my good friend Peter Knego. This video fully covers her story and the tragic journey she has undertaken and where she is at today!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5FrsCC0l0xY&feature=related

 

--Her days have now ended – But Let us Remember the great Ship she was!--

 

This American ship has been destroyed by NCL Cruises - NEVER cruise with them!

SS Independence seen in her glory days, departing New York in the 1960’s

Photographer unknown – *See Photo Notice at bottom of the page

February 2010: SS Platinum II, ex SS Independence, has been anchored near Bhavnagar in Saurashtra in the region of Gujarat October 2009, it was said some time ago that she had “almost run aground with the bottom of the ship is almost touching the sand.” It is also been heard that “dismantling may now well be a foregone conclusion.” According to sources within the Gujarat Maritime Board, there may now be no option but to permit the breaking up of the ship.

However, I have been informed that is owned by the Leela ship breakers and that she will soon be broken up, and regardless what we will try and do nothing on earth will stop it for as we have learnt over the years, once a ship has her bow on the sand she is gone!

Look at what NCL & Star Cruises has done to an American flagged ship

Platinum-II is seen here anchored at the Bhavnagar Anchorage Point off Alang India in October 2009

Credit: PTI for “The Hindu” - All rights reserved

January 2010: It is claimed, and I would say mostly by those who have much to profit by breaking her up … that she has been reduced to this sad state because of a tug of war between the government and activists. Since the second week of October Platinum II has been awaiting central sanction for dismantling even as voluntary organisations campaigned for it to be turned back alleging that it was carrying over 200 tonnes of toxic asbestos and polychloride biphenyl. The state government said it had the facilities for dealing with such a problem if it existed. However, everyone knows well that NOT one of the breakers have genuine safety facilities, for the mere fact that ships can not be berthed at a wharf and that their workers are not clothed in fully registered protective gear!

Many are confused by some of the reporting in regard to the SS Platinum II, ex Oceanic, Independence, etc. Some news sources indicated that she had been beached, however, be assured this is NOT the case. The following is what was written in one article:

New Delhi: Condemned US Navy ship ‘Platinum-II’ continues to beach at Alang in Gujarat waiting to be dismantled, despite the Centre ordering it on November 9 to return to its place of origin. ‘Platinum-II’ was called 'SS Oceanic' and ‘SS Independence’ before it was declared “dead” by the US naval administration.”

In Summary!

Remember it was the treacherous Genting/Star Cruises/NCL that sold her to the so-called California Manufacturing Company, a firm that had its offices in the NCL Head Office in Florida and obviously one of NCL’s little subsidiaries. And this company renamed her Oceanic and sold her to an Indian Mr. Anil Sharma who only buys ships for Alang breakers. Myself, Corey Abelove and Erik James, all part of the Save the Classic Liners Campaign (USA branch), contacted the EPA - Environmental Protection Agency when the Oceanic illegally departed San Francisco as she contained toxic waste and we know that she was bound for Alang. Her owners were found and fined US$518,500 and they were advised that the ship could not be sold for scrap and thus she was used in the Arabian Gulf as an accommodation ship. But suddenly she appeared at Alang, for let’s face it, you can not trust Indians! She has since languished there and now this once fine ship is in dire straights and will be broken up as the photographs at the top prove!

Enter my SS Independence & SS Constitution feature

 

NCL/NCL America & Star Cruises is owned by the Asian Genting Casino Corp

Please Do NOT cruise with them!

  

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MV Queen Elizabeth 2

 

The great QE2 is now registered in Port Vila Vanuatu

MV Queen Elizabeth 2 seen laid up in Dubai UAE September 21, 2009

Photograph Copyright © Reuben Goossens

The MV Queen Elizabeth 2 Story.

In July 2007 the QE2 was sold to Istithmar being the investment arm of “Dubai World” a wholly owned company of the Government of Dubai. However she would be taken over by Nakheel, also a “Dubai World” company would redevelop her and construct the new islands being built known as the “Palm Jumeirah” where she was going to be berthed to become a major luxury hotel. Istithmar paid and estimate £65 million (British Pounds) for the QE2.

Having completed her final official cruise, the QE2 departed Southampton for the very last time on November 11, 2008, and she began her farewell voyage to Dubai. She arrived on the evening of 26 November 26, 2008 in a flotilla of around 120 vessels that were there to greet her including the MV Dubai, being the personal yacht of Sheikh Mohammed the ruler of Dubai. QE2 was greeted with a fly-past from an Emirates A380 jet as well as a huge fireworks display, while thousands of people gathered at the Mina Rashid, waving of British and United Arab Emirates flags.

It was a fitting welcome and her future seemed assured, however things was not as it seemed for the financial crisis of 2008 caused Dubai to have a financial freefall and the wealthiest of its citizens escaped the country, even leaving their Mercedes and BMW’s and super luxury cars at the airport as they escaped the financiers who were about to pounce on them, for most emptied their accounts and run. This disaster also left the QE2 high and dry and although she was reregistered cheaply in Vanuatu in Port Vila in 2008, she had been well maintained by around 100 workers until recently, but most have now gone, with just a very small number remaining to keep her reasonably tidy. However reports state that she is suffering, especially in areas that are from view and behind the scenes.

The stern of the QE2 - How sad is thos photo?

QE2 in Dubai on September 21 2009 – Note that she is registered in Port Vila

Southampton can still be seen beneath the overpainting

Photograph © Reuben Goossens

Today her future is unsure and when I visited the ship a company insider told me that they doubted that she will ever become a hotel, for the company had suffered far too greatly. Although, the country did receive money’s from the outside to revive its tourism industry and attempt to restore some pride, but to date numbers remain way down. In reality Dubai has little to offer as it is all show and razzmatazz, there are heaps of spectacular man made structures and they are great, but they are just building filled with very expensive ships, and Dubai is VERY expensive indeed! Then they do have some beaches, well by Australian standards these are of an extremely poor standard and rather small and with the severe heat there and no protection provided whatsoever from the blazing sun, this is what I would call the melanoma (skin cancer) capital of the Middle East! I have been throughout the Middle East and I love this region, but Dubai has little to offer, unless you like skyscrapers! I would choose countries like Oman and Egypt for they really have something to offer!

The truth is that QE2’s future will most likely be a rapid and a secret sale to the breakers, and it will come so swiftly that we will be totally unprepared, and that is my greatest fear! Please stay alert and if you hear anything let me know!

Read a recent report on the “Daily Mail” dated March 2010.

Interesting background on the QE2:

QE2 sailed an amazing 5.6 million nautical miles, that's more than any other ship ever I know about, in other words that is like travelling to the moon and back 13 times. She has accommodated approximately 2.5 million guests and completed 802 Atlantic crossings and 24 full world cruises, thus some 1,438 voyages. That is an excellent record indeed!

What will be her future?

A close up of a clean looking ship as she had recently been repainted

Photograph © Reuben Goossens

The story of the SS/MV Queen Elizabeth 2:

1964 - Cunard signs a contract to build the ship with John Brown Shipyard Clydebank, Scotland.

1967 - September 20 the ship was launched by HRH Queen Elizabeth II.

1968 – QE2 undertakes her deep sea trails; the first was on November 26 to 29, and the second, December 17 to 19.

1968 - QE2 departs on her maiden voyage, being a cruise from Greenock to the Canary Islands with the author on board. Sadly the ship developed turbine troubles and she had to return to her builders.

1969 - After renewed trails on April 1 to 8, Cunard takes delivery of the QE2 on April 18 for the second time.

1969 - On May 2 the QE2 commences her maiden voyage from Southampton to New York City, officially taking four days, 16 hours and 35 minutes.

1970 - She crosses the Atlantic Westbound in record time of just three days, 20 hours and 42 minutes.

1972 - QE2 undergoes a refit and rebuilding as penthouses added to the top of the ship, altering her external appearance. Accommodating 604 First, 1,223 Tourist, and 1,740 one class when cruising.

1975 - QE2 departs from Southampton on her first World voyage, the first of many world cruises.

1982 - The QE2 was requisitioned by the British government as troopship to operate in Falklands Islands Campaign. She carried 3,000 troops and 650 volunteer crew to the South Atlantic. However, she was kept well out of the way for no harm was to become her, for the ship did carry the name of Her Majesty the Queen, the Sovereign of Britain, thus she was kept far out of harm at all times, unlike the SS Canberra!

1987 – In October the SS Queen Elizabeth 2 made her final Trans Atlantic crossing from New York under steam as she was about to head to Germany where her new diesel engines were to be installed and an extensive refit and remodelling at a cost of US$162 million.

1988 –A new look MV Queen Elizabeth 2 complete with a new and far superior funnel and far more economic and faster that before, she returned to service and gained even more popularity on the Atlantic service.

1990 - Queen Elizabeth becomes the first Monarch to sail on the commercial liner with other passengers on board.

1995 - QE2 leaves New York for Southampton on her 1,000th voyage.

1996 - During her twentieth around the world cruise the QE2 passed her four millionth mile mark, and amazing feat, but there was more to come!

1998 - South African President Nelson Mandela sails on the QE2 from Durban to Cape Town. A year later the QE2 was treated to a multi-million dollar refurbishment which included all her public rooms as well as her cabins that needed updating.

2002 - QE2 passes five million miles - a world first.

2004 - The QE2 was considered as being one of the last of the great Trans Atlantic liners, for there has not been any true liners since. Although, they pretend that the Queen Mary 2 is a liner, but she certainly is not and neither was the QE 2 in her latter years, for both were then cruise ships. Although QE2 was built as a liner that would also operate cruises, but her main function was to be a liner; that means line voyages from the UK to the USA and back. Today all ships operate short and longer cruises and they may undertake the occasional cruise from the USA to and from the UK, but that does not qualify them as being a “liner”, for the encyclopaedia clearly states that a liner must be a a ship that is on a regular (constant) liner service – “line voyage”!

2005 - The QE2 becomes the longest serving Cunard ship ever, surpassing the RMS Aquitania's 35 years.

2008 – November 11 Queen Elizabeth 2 departed Southampton in the evening for Dubai UAE and she was officially retired from active Cunard service.

The QE2 seen in better days

MV Queen Elizabeth during her very last days cruising

Photograph David Kellet

 

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M/S Philippines

Ex Augustus 1952-76 / Great Sea 1976-80 / Ocean King 1980-83

Philippines – 1983-85 / President – 1985-88 / Asian Princess – 1988-2000

 

An Italia Line postcard of the superb liner MS Augustus

This card was badly damaged, and has been photo-shopped to make it look as good as it now is

From the author’s private collection

Italia Lines MS Augustus was launched on November 19, 1950 by the wife of the Italian Prime Minster, Md. Francesca De Gasperi. She was completed in February 1952 and departed on her maiden voyage from Genoa to Buenos Aires on March 4. However, in due course due to air traffic, like her twin sister the MS Giulio Cesare and so many other liners around the world, Augustus also suffered a rapid decline in passenger loadings and in due course she was laid up in Naples on January 15, 1976 precisely three years after her sister was laid up and sold. The Augustus was placed on the market and happily this fine liner remains afloat to this day and was used as a stand by hotel and restaurant, having had a series of uses and names, although she is now in desperate need of a new owner.

 

Well she is still looking good on the outside, but inside, well that is another matter. She needs to be saved!

The M/S Philippines is looking in good shape here, but it is said that her interiors are suffering

Photographer unknown - *See photo notes at bottom of page

Although, I have had a number of potential buyers in the past looking at the ship, it was the owner who proved to be the most difficult and he was asking an extremely high price for her, thus no one was prepared to pay the massive price. An Italian consortium was one of these and they had excellent plans, but the price was simply beyond reach. It is my hope that with the financial crisis the price has come down and that an acceptable price will now be asked for her, one that will fit her tonnage and actual worth! However, May she be obtained by someone who will preserve this magnificent ship and not the breakers.

This is the time to obtain her as she is no longer in use. Are you looking for the best of maritime design and construction, well here it is in a nutshell! She will make a great hotel and maritime museum and she could be like the SS Rotterdam and do an Italian or another city very proud! Email me - info@ssmaritime.com for details.

Visit my M/S Augustus  feature

 

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A Special Vessel

MV Baragoola

Originally built as a Steamer but converted into a Motor Vessel between 1958-61

 

I am well aware that the MV Baragoola may not fit my criteria as a “classic liner”, however, I believe with all my heart that this superb historic 1922 built vessel, which I have supported online for quite some time needs to be restored and retained for the future!

 

Enter the MV Baragoola multiple page feature

 

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Do Yourself a Favour and Cruise on a Classic Ship

 Click the image above to enter Classic Ocean Voyages”

Joyfully there are still some fine ships sailing as classic cruise ships, or remain afloat as hotels and museums, such as the SS Rotterdam and the Queen Mary, etc. But, there is also a fleet of fine classic ships that continue to cruise and they will go on for many years yet! I shall be featuring these ships and companies and will be encouraging you to go and cruise on some of these superb classic ships before they are gone!

I applaud one company in particular who has done more than any other to operate and constantly update their ships, including to the point that they will pass the 2010 SOLAS regulations. This company is “Classic International Cruises” that operates a superb fleet of ships, including the MV Athena built I as the MS Stockholm that was launched in 1946. There is the delightful ex liners SS Funchal, now a motor ship and ex Presidential Yacht, built in 1961. CIC also has the two greatly loved Port Line sister Port Melbourne and Sydney now named Princess Danae and Princess Daphne respectively. These excellent ships were built in 1955 and then there is the superb smaller ship the Arion and built as the delightful Yugoslavian ships MS Istra in 1965. All of these ships have been constantly refitted and in the case of Athena, and the two Princess ships, these three have received comprehensive reconstructions to become excellent and modern cruise ships, yet, they continue to contain so many classic features!

The superbly built MS Port Sydney & rebuilt as a fine cruise ship MV Princess Daphne

This is a true classic liner of yesteryear, and was the MS Port Sydney

The delightful Princess Daphne will be sailing out of Singapore & Hong Kong

During the European winter in 2010/2011 & again in 2011/12

 

The MS Stockholm was completely stripped to her strong bare hull to become the elegant MV Athena

This ship was built as the famed classic liner the MS Stockholm

The Athena is CIC’s flagship and although she sails from many destinations, during the European winter

She comes to Australia where she has become greatly loved and she is based in Fremantle (Perth)

 

Enter

Classic Ocean Voyages

 

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Who is the Author of ssMaritime and Save the Classic Line Campaign?

Commenced in the Passenger Shipping Industry in 1960

  

Email me …

info@ssmaritime.com

 

ssMaritime.com & ssMaritime.net

Where the ships of the past make history & the 1914 built MV Doulos story

 

Photographs on savetheclassicliners.com and associated pages are: 1. By the author. 2. From the author’s private collection. 3. As provided by Shipping Companies and private photographers or collectors. Credit is given to all contributors. However, there are photographs provided to the author without details regarding the photographer. I therefore cordially invite if any owners of these images would be so kind as to make them-selves known to me in order that due credit may be given. I know what it is like, I have seen a multitude of my own photographs on other sites, yet they either refuse to give me credit and some even refuse to remove them, knowing full well that there is no legal comeback when it comes to the net. However, let us show these charlatans up and do the right thing at all times and give credit where credit is due! Please note: I do not credit those who send me photographs when they are not the owners of these photographs concerned, unless the image is part of their private collection.

This notice covers all pages and I will do my best to ensure that all photographs are duly credited and that this notice is displaced on each page, that is, when a page is updated! R Goossens.

  

“Save the Classic Liners” dot com is owned and © Copyright 2010 - by Reuben Goossens

The Name and all Rights are Reserved under International Copyright laws

 

 

 

 

 

 

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