Zuiderkruis
The Zuiderkruis began life as the Cranston Victory, one of 413 Victory ships built in America during World War II. Built by Oregon Shipbuilding Corporation in Portland, she represented an improved design over the earlier Liberty ships, featuring strengthened hulls and decks for troop transport duties.
Construction and Wartime Service
Launched on May 5, 1944, the vessel was constructed as a dedicated troop carrier with a capacity of 1,597 personnel. The original configuration featured between-deck bunks, galleys, washrooms, hospital facilities, and comprehensive ventilation and heating systems. Following Japan's surrender and the end of World War II, she was laid up in 1946 along with many sister ships.
Dutch Government Service
In 1947, the Dutch Government purchased three Victory ships: the Cranston Victory, Costa Rica Victory, and La Grande Victory. These vessels were renamed after major star formations - Zuiderkruis (Southern Cross), Groote Beer (Great Bear), and Waterman (Aquarius) respectively. Initially, the Zuiderkruis was managed by Royal Rotterdam Lloyd, while only the Groote Beer was under Nederland Line management.
The Zuiderkruis was reconfigured to carry troops to the Dutch East Indies, providing accommodation for 276 passengers in cabins and 575 in dormitories.
Emigrant Service
In 1951, the vessel underwent a major reconstruction at the Nederland Dock Co shipyard in Rotterdam. Modifications included:
- Addition of an extra deck
- Forward relocation of the bridge atop an extended superstructure
- New accommodation for 830 persons in cabins
The refitted Zuiderkruis resumed service in June 1951, initially sailing from Rotterdam to New York before establishing service to Canada. In August 1951, she transported 800 migrants to New Zealand. Management transferred to Nederland Line in 1952, after which she operated regular voyages to Australia, New Zealand, and across the Atlantic.
Final Years
In 1961, ownership transferred to the newly formed N V Scheepsvaart Maats Trans-Ocean, though management remained unchanged. The vessel's accommodation was upgraded to tourist class as emigrant demand declined. Late 1963 saw Zuiderkruis transferred to the Dutch Navy as an accommodation ship based at Den Helder. She served in this role until October 29, 1969, when she was sold to breakers in Rotterdam, who subsequently sold her to Spanish breakers. The Zuiderkruis arrived under tow at Bilbao on November 27, 1969, for final demolition.
Key Facts
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Built | 1944-45 |
| Builder | Oregon Shipbuilding Corp, Portland |
| Gross Tonnage | 9,178 |
| Dimensions | 455 x 62 ft (138.7 x 18.9 m) |
| Service Speed | 17 knots |
| Sister Ships | Waterman, Groote Beer |