Dunera and Devonia

The Dunera and Devonia were two of four similar pre-war troopships built in 1937-1939 by Glasgow shipbuilders for the British Royal Navy. These vessels would later pioneer the concept of "Universities at sea" in British education.

Construction and Design

Built by Barclay Curle & Co. and Fairfield S.B. & E. Co. in Glasgow, these vessels were substantial ships for their era. They featured distinctive profiles - the Devonia had a slim, raked funnel with sloping top, while Dunera's funnel was wider and had a horizontal top despite also being raked.

Military Service

Originally serving as troopships alongside their sister vessels Dilwara (later converted to pilgrim ship Kuala Lumpur) and P&O's Ettrick (lost in November 1942).

Educational Service

In a innovative transformation, both vessels were converted into Educational Cruise Ships, fitted with classrooms, dormitories, and lecture halls. The Dunera began this new chapter in spring 1961, with Devonia (previously named Devonshire and purchased from the Bibby Line) joining the educational fleet twelve months later in 1962.

Key Facts

Specification	Dunera	Devonia
Gross Tonnage	12,620	12,796
Deadweight	3,675	3,081
Length	517 ft (157.6 m)	517 ft (157.6 m)
Beam	63 ft (19.2 m)	63 ft (19.2 m)
Draught	25 ft (7.6 m)	24 ft 7 in (7.5 m)
Engines	Doxford Type diesels	Sulzer type diesels
Speed	14 knots (13 when cruising)	14 knots (13 when cruising)
Passenger Capacity	188 saloon, 834 dormitory	194 saloon, 834 dormitory