Skaugum
Originally ordered by Hamburg America Line in 1938 as the Ostmark, this vessel played a crucial role in post-World War II refugee transportation. Her sister ship Steiermark, later converted to the raider Kormoran, became notorious for its encounter with HMAS Sydney in 1941.
Construction and Early Years
Launched on January 17, 1940, at Germaniawerft, Kiel, the Ostmark remained incomplete due to wartime shortages of materials and manpower. After the war, she was claimed by the Allies as war reparations and placed under Ministry of Transport control at Kiel.
Post-War Conversion
In 1948, Norwegian shipowner Isak M Skaugen purchased the vessel, securing an 18-month contract from the International Refugee Organization. The Howaldtswerke yard in Kiel completed her conversion into a passenger carrier, adding an extra deck along the full length of the hull. The renovation created austere quarters for up to 1,700 people, primarily in large dormitories with communal washing facilities, reflecting conditions similar to the refugee camps many passengers were fleeing.
Refugee Transport Service
Renamed Skaugum in April 1949, she commenced service with her maiden voyage from Naples on May 1, 1949, arriving in Melbourne on May 30. Throughout 1949, she completed multiple voyages carrying refugees to Australian ports including Melbourne, Sydney, and Newcastle.
A dramatic incident occurred in 1949 when Skaugum rescued 1,570 passengers from the disabled IRO vessel Anna Salen in the Indian Ocean, transferring them from Aden to Fremantle. In 1950, she conducted four voyages to Australia, including a special mission returning Dutch nationals from Indonesia to Holland.
Later Career
In 1957, Skaugum underwent reconstruction as a cargo ship at Howaldtswerke, Kiel, receiving new diesel engines. She continued operating under I M Skaugen until 1964, when Ocean Shipping & Enterprises purchased her and renamed her Ocean Builder, registering her under the Liberian flag.
Key Facts
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Built | 1949 Germaniawerft, Kiel |
| Tonnage | 11,626 GRT |
| Length | 552 ft (168.1 m) |
| Beam | 66 ft (29.2 m) |
| Speed | 15 knots |
| Propulsion | Diesel electric, twin screws |
| Capacity | 1,700 passengers (as refugee transport) |
Final Fate
Ocean Builder made her final Australian visit in May 1970. Her long career ended in August 1972 at the Kaohsiung ship breakers in Taiwan.