Conte Grande
The Conte Grande was a prestigious Italian passenger liner launched in 1927, becoming the third-largest vessel in the Italian Merchant Marine. Distinguished by her sleek profile, vertical bow, and two rakishly-angled funnels, she embodied the golden age of trans-Atlantic travel with her luxurious accommodations and elegant Italian styling.
Construction and Design
Built by Stabilimento Tecnico Triestino in Trieste, Italy, the Conte Grande was virtually identical to her sister ship Conte Biancamano. The vessel featured a classic counter stern design and low-profile superstructure. Her first-class facilities were particularly noteworthy, including a galleried dining room and baroque Italian courtyard complete with urns, arches, palms, and balconies. The indoor pool area showcased elaborate Chinoiserie styling with black and red lacquer pillars and green and gold marble.
Early Service (1928-1932)
The vessel commenced her maiden voyage from Genoa to New York on April 3, 1928, under Lloyd Sabaudo Line ownership. During this period, she wore a traditional black hull with white superstructure livery, serving the prestigious North Atlantic route.
Italia Line Years (1932-1941)
In 1932, Mussolini's Fascist government forced a merger of Italy's three main shipping lines - Navigazione Generale Italiana, Cosulich, and Lloyd Sabaudo - creating the new "Italia" line. The Conte Grande was repainted with an all-white hull and transferred to South American service, operating as far south as Buenos Aires. In 1935, she briefly served as a troop carrier during Italy's Ethiopian campaign before returning to her South American routes.
Wartime Service (1941-1947)
In 1941, Brazilian authorities seized the vessel as a war prize and sold her to the United States. Renamed USS Monticello, she served as a troop transport throughout World War II. Along with her sister ship Conte Biancamano (renamed USS Heritage), she was one of the few major Italian liners to survive the war.
Post-War Service (1947-1960)
Returned to Italian ownership in 1947, the vessel underwent significant modernization, including streamlined funnels, a raked prow, remodeled superstructure, and air conditioning installation. Under Societa Marrittima Nazionale management, she resumed South American service on July 14, 1949, with a revised passenger configuration.
Final Voyage and Fate
In December 1960, the Conte Grande made her first and only Australian voyage under Lloyd Triestino charter, carrying 1,600 passengers in one-class accommodation via the Suez Canal. The vessel called at Fremantle, Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide, and Fremantle, impressing observers with her size and grace. Following her return to South American routes, she was broken up at La Spezia, Italy in late 1961.
Key Facts
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Built | Stabilimento Tecnico Triestino, Trieste |
| Launched | June 29, 1927 |
| Gross Tonnage | 23,842 |
| Length | 667 ft (203.3m) |
| Beam | 78 ft (23.8m) |
| Draft | 27 ft (8.2m) |
| Propulsion | Four D.R.P. steam turbines (21,000 SHP) |
| Speed | 20 knots |
| Passenger Capacity | Initially 1,748 (578 first, 420 cabin, 750 tourist) |
| Crew | 532 |