Burma

The Burma was a passenger-cargo vessel built in 1914 for P Henderson & Co's British & Burmese Steam Navigation Co Ltd. Over her 43-year career, she served as a commercial liner, wartime troopship, post-war migrant transport, and finally as a pilgrim vessel, demonstrating remarkable adaptability across multiple roles.

Construction and Early Service (1914-1940)

Built by W Denny & Bros Ltd of Dumbarton, Burma was launched in 1914 and completed in November of that year. Initially coal-fired, she required a large workforce and frequent refueling stops, though she possessed substantial cargo capacity. During the 1920s, she was converted to more economical oil-fired engines. Together with sister ships Amarapoora and Pegu, she maintained regular service between Glasgow and Rangoon, sporting a black hull during this period.

Wartime Service (1940-1948)

In 1940, Burma was requisitioned by the British Government and converted for trooping duties. She primarily operated in the Indian Ocean between Suez and India, with additional voyages to East and South Africa. On December 23, 1943, she ran aground off Mombasa and remained stranded until being successfully refloated on April 10, 1944. She continued trooping duties until 1948.

Post-War Migrant Transport (1949-1951)

Being 34 years old and with Burmese trade declining, the vessel was sold in early 1949 to Cia Nav Florencia of Panama and renamed Florentia. She was converted to transport displaced persons under an IRO contract, with austere accommodation fitted in the cargo holds. Her first Australian voyage departed Malta on December 15, 1950, reaching Fremantle on January 14, 1951, and Sydney on January 26. After a three-week stay, she loaded cargo for Port Sudan and Haifa before returning to Genoa.

Final Years and Fate (1951-1957)

In 1951, ownership transferred to Cia Florentina de Nav, and the vessel was repainted white. She made two final voyages to Australia from Genoa. The first departed in April 1951, visiting Fremantle, Melbourne, and Sydney, departing on June 11. Her final Australian voyage began from Genoa on August 18, 1951, reaching Fremantle (September 22), Melbourne (September 28), and Sydney (October 7). After loading cargo at Port Thevenard, she departed for Cyprus on October 27.

In 1953, she was sold to the Pan-Islamic Steamship Co of Pakistan and renamed Safina-E-Nusrat for pilgrim transport to Jeddah. Her long career finally ended in September 1957 when she was sold to shipbreakers in Karachi, Pakistan.

Technical Specifications

Specification	Details
Dimensions	147.6 x 17.6 m (484 x 58 ft)
Gross Tonnage	7,821 GRT
Engine Type	Triple expansion, single screw
Service Speed	13 knots
Passenger Capacity	120
Fuel	Initially coal-fired, converted to oil in 1920s