Willem Ruys
The Willem Ruys was a significant post-war Dutch passenger liner built by De Schelde, N.V. Koninklijke for Royal Rotterdam Lloyd. Named after the company's founder and his son (who was executed by the Nazis in August 1942), she was designed as a competitor to the Nederland Line's Oranje. The vessel's design showed influence from the pre-war German ships Bremen and Europa, though at half their size.
Construction and Wartime Survival
Construction began before World War II, with the vessel known as Yard Number 214. Work continued until September 1939, when war interrupted progress. During the German occupation, the incomplete hull remarkably survived the extensive bombing of May 1940. Throughout the war, Dutch resistance members regularly sabotaged the vessel to prevent its use by German forces. When retreating, German forces placed explosive charges in the ship, but Dutch patriots removed the detonators. This series of fortunate escapes led Dutch seamen to consider her a "lucky ship."
Post-War Launch and Service
The Willem Ruys was launched on July 1, 1946, amid passionate patriotic celebrations, with Madame Ruys performing the christening. Steel shortages delayed completion until November 1947. During trials, she achieved an impressive maximum speed of 24.62 knots. On December 2, 1947 - the same day Queen Wilhelmina granted the "Royal" prefix to Rotterdam Lloyd - the vessel commenced her maiden voyage from Rotterdam to Djakarta via the Suez Canal.
Design and Amenities
The ship featured distinctive design elements, including a hull that tapered from the waterline to maindeck level and aluminum lifeboats integrated into the upper-works' flanks. Her modern facilities included adjoining first and second class dining rooms with retractable dividing panels, allowing conversion into a single large space when needed.
Route Changes and Australian Service
Following Indonesia's independence in 1958, the vessel briefly attempted Canadian services before joining Nederland Line's ships on the Australian route. After a refit in Schiedam, she was reconfigured to carry 275 first class and 770 tourist class passengers. Her new route included Port Said, Colombo, Singapore, Melbourne, Sydney, Wellington, Balboa, Cristobal, Fort Lauderdale, Bermuda, Southampton, and Rotterdam.
Final Years
By late 1964, increasing air travel led to the vessel's withdrawal from service. After being laid up in Rotterdam, she was sold in 1965 to the Naples-based Flotta Lauro Line and renamed Achille Lauro, continuing to serve immigrant routes.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Gross Tonnage | 23,114 |
| Length | 631 ft (192.3m) |
| Beam | 82 ft (25m) |
| Propulsion | Eight 8-cylinder Sulzer diesels (27,000 SHP) |
| Speed | 21 knots (service), 24.62 knots (maximum) |
| Passenger Capacity (Initial) | 344 first, 301 second, 109 third, 86 fourth class |
| Crew | 400 |
| Passenger Decks | Seven |
| Livery | Grey hull, white superstructure, black funnels & white boot-topping |