Australia Class Liners

The Australia, Oceania, and Neptunia were three nearly identical passenger liners built for Lloyd Triestino in 1950-51, marking the first new European passenger ships on the Australian service after World War II. Built specifically to meet intense post-war migration demands, these vessels offered modern air-conditioned comfort at a time when most competitors operated converted troop carriers.

Construction and Design

All three vessels were constructed by Cantieri Riuniti dellÁdriatico in Monfalcone, Italy. The Australia was launched on May 21, 1950, followed by Oceania on July 30, and Neptunia on October 1. Each featured a distinctive livery of white hull and superstructure with yellow and blue funnels and blue boot-topping.

Service History

The ships entered service in 1951, with Australia making her inaugural voyage from Genoa to Sydney on April 19, followed by Oceania on August 18, and Neptunia on September 14. Initially configured with three classes, they were later modified to two-class arrangements. The vessels proved especially popular with Eastern European migrants seeking new lives in Australia.

Later Years

The class operated successfully until the early 1960s, when Lloyd Triestino introduced the larger Galileo Galilei and Guglielmo Marconi. Following Australia's final Genoa departure on January 18, 1963, all three ships were sold to Italia Line for service between Genoa and Chile. They were renamed after famous composers: Australia became Gaetano Donizetti, Oceania became Guiseppe Verdi, and Neptunia became Giocchino Rossini. After 14 years on the Chilean route, all three vessels were sold for scrapping.

Key Facts

Specification	Details
Tonnage	13,140 GRT (Australia), 13,139 GRT (Oceania), 13,141 GRT (Neptunia)
Length	528 ft (160.9 m), Oceania: 529 ft (161.21 m)
Beam	69 ft (21 m)
Draft	27 ft (8.2 m)
Propulsion	Twin Sulzer diesels (14,000 SHP)
Speed	18 knots
Capacity	280 first, 120 second, 392 third class (initial)
Crew	236