Cantigny

Built in 1920 by American International Shipbuilding Corporation, Cantigny was one of over 110 standardized "Hog Island-A" type transports constructed at the Hog Island shipyard. These vessels were characterized by their functional, plain design without sheer or camber. Launched on October 27, 1919, she would serve under six different names across a varied career spanning nearly four decades.

Early Service (1920-1939)

Initially owned by the US Shipping Board, Cantigny served as a troop transport from 1920 to 1923. In 1924, she was transferred to the American Merchant Line and renamed American Banker, operating between New York and London with accommodation for 12 passengers. In 1926, her passenger capacity was expanded to 80 tourist class. The American Merchant Line was absorbed into the United States Line in October 1931, with the vessel maintaining her regular route until November 1939.

Wartime and Post-War (1940-1947)

In February 1940, she was sold to Belgian company Soc. Maritime Anveroise and renamed Ville d'Anvers, departing New York on March 9, 1940, for Liverpool. Following Germany's invasion of Belgium in May 1940, the Allies took control of the vessel. She returned to United States Line ownership in February 1946. Later that year, she was sold to Cia di Vapores Mediterranea, becoming City of Athens, and operated between New York and Turkish ports.

Migration Service (1947-1952)

Sold to Panamanian Lines (a forerunner of Home Lines) in 1947, she was renamed Protea and refitted in Genoa to accommodate 965 passengers in one class. Under the International Refugee Organization (IRO), from April 1948 she transported migrants from Italy to South America. Between 1948 and 1951, she completed multiple voyages to Australia, carrying up to 1,096 passengers per journey. In 1951-52, she conducted a trooping voyage to Haiphong for the French Government, followed by two trans-Atlantic charter voyages.

Final Years (1952-1959)

In 1952, the vessel underwent a refit in Bremen, being modified to accommodate 46 first-class and 919 tourist-class passengers. Renamed Arosa Kulm under the newly-created Arosa Line, she began service between Bremerhaven and Canada. Between 1954 and 1956, she made four voyages to Australia, with her final trip delayed in Fremantle due to faulty lifesaving equipment. Financial difficulties led to her arrest in Plymouth in 1959, and following Arosa Line's bankruptcy, she was sold to Belgian firm Van Heyghen Freres, arriving at their yard in Bruges on May 7, 1959.

Technical Specifications

Specification	Details
Gross Tonnage	7,783
Length	448 ft (136.6 m)
Beam	58 ft (17.6 m)
Propulsion	Steam Turbine, single screw
Service Speed	16 knots
Final Passenger Capacity	46 first class, 919 tourist class