Sibajak
The Sibajak was a passenger liner built for Rotterdam Lloyd's Dutch East Indies service. She was constructed as part of the Dutch government's initiative to encourage emigration to their colonial territories between the World Wars. Notable for her elegant appearance and comfortable accommodations, she was considered the most luxurious vessel of her type when entering service in 1928.
Construction and Design
Built by Kon. Maats de Schelde in Vlissingen, Sibajak was launched on April 2, 1927, and completed in December of the same year. The vessel featured Rotterdam Lloyd's characteristic styling with a grey hull, white superstructure, black funnel, and white boot-topping. The company favored a low freeboard and profile, square superstructure, varnished bridgehouse, and extensive cargo handling equipment.
Pre-War Service (1928-1940)
Sibajak commenced her maiden voyage on February 8, 1928, sailing from Rotterdam to Batavia (now Jakarta) via Southampton, Marseilles, Port Said, Colombo, Sabang, Belawan, Singapore, and Surabaya. The vessel's original configuration provided accommodation across four classes, with first class located amidships, second class aft, and third class forward. In 1935, the passenger accommodation was reconfigured to carry 200 first class, 250 second class, and 75 third class passengers.
Wartime Service (1940-1946)
Following Germany's invasion of the Netherlands in May 1940, Sibajak was laid up in Surabaya. The British subsequently requisitioned her and placed her under P&O management as a troopship, retaining her Dutch crew. In July 1941, she transported Australian troops from Fremantle to Singapore in convoy US11B, and later carried additional troops from Sydney in convoy US12B.
Post-War Migration Service (1946-1959)
After the war, Sibajak was converted to single-class accommodation for 946 passengers, including 196 in dormitories. The vessel was chartered to the Dutch government for immigrant transport, primarily to Australia and New Zealand. Her first post-war passenger voyage began on April 15, 1950.
Between 1952 and 1955, Sibajak made nine Atlantic crossings, including routes to Quebec, Halifax, and New York. She briefly participated in round-the-world service in 1958. Her final voyage to Australasia ended in Melbourne on June 23, 1959, after which she was sold to Hong Kong shipbreakers.
Key Facts
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Built | 1927 |
| Builder | Kon. Maats de Schelde, Vlissingen |
| Dimensions | 530 x 62 ft |
| Tonnage | 12,040 GRT (later 12,342) |
| Draught | 28 ft (8.9m) |
| Power | 10,400 BHP |
| Propulsion | Sulzer diesels, twin screws |
| Speed | 17 knots |
| Crew | 209 |
| Sister Ships | Salawati, Indrapoera |