Dominion Monarch
The Dominion Monarch was heralded as the world's most powerful motor-ship when delivered to Shaw Savill & Albion Line in 1939. This impressive vessel combined luxury passenger accommodations with substantial cargo capacity, representing a unique approach to passenger-cargo vessel design during the interwar period.
Construction and Design
Launched on July 27, 1938, by Lady Essendon at Swan, Hunter & Wigham's yard in England, the Dominion Monarch incorporated many design elements from medium-sized Atlantic liners of the period. The vessel featured an 'island' bridge and could carry an impressive 511,000 cubic feet of refrigerated cargo, primarily transporting meat, citrus, and dairy products southbound while carrying general cargo on northbound voyages.
Pre-war Service
The vessel commenced her maiden voyage from Southampton to Wellington on February 17, 1939. Her elegant profile featured a black hull, white superstructure, buff and black funnels, and red boot-topping.
Wartime Service
War was declared while the Dominion Monarch was berthed at Lyttelton on September 3, 1939, during her second voyage. She was quickly dispatched to Sydney for armament fitting before undertaking hazardous voyages across the Indian and Atlantic Oceans. Initially rejected as a troop transport due to her luxurious first-class accommodations, she continued carrying vital foodstuffs and war supplies to Britain, with even passenger spaces utilized for cargo.
In August 1940, she was refitted in Liverpool for troop transport duties. Her troop capacity increased from an initial 1,438 to 3,556 berths. The ship had a notable escape from Singapore, managing to steam to safety just before the city's surrender, thanks to her crew's determined efforts.
Post-war Service and Final Years
After serving to repatriate troops following the war and receiving a refit, the Dominion Monarch resumed peaceful commercial service. In 1962, she began a new role as a floating hotel for the Seattle World Fair, being renamed Dominion Monarch Maru by her new owners. The arrival of the Northern Star and her uneconomical accommodation configuration led to her sale to Japanese shipbreakers in late 1962.
The vessel held a special place in New Zealand's maritime heritage, where she was regarded with particular affection by the population who considered her their own.
Key Facts
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Gross Tonnage | 27,155 tons |
| Length | 682 ft (207.8 m) |
| Beam | 85 ft (25.9 m) |
| Draught | 33 ft (10 m) |
| Engines | Quadruple Swan, Hunter/Doxford diesels (32,000 BHP) |
| Speed | 21.5 knots |
| Passenger Capacity | 525 first class |
| Crew | 385 |
| Passenger Decks | Five |