Ellinis

The vessel began life as Lurline, launched in 1932 for Matson Line's Pacific services. After three decades of distinguished service including wartime duties, she was purchased by Chandris Line in 1962 and renamed Ellinis, beginning a new career carrying immigrants to Australia.

Construction and Early Years

Built by Bethlehem Shipyard in Quincy, Massachusetts, Lurline was launched on July 18, 1932. She was one of three sister ships, alongside Mariposa and Monterey. The vessel was designed for Matson Line's Pacific services, operating between San Francisco and Australia, as well as the popular San Francisco-Honolulu route.

Wartime Service

On December 7, 1941, Lurline was approximately halfway between San Francisco and Honolulu when news of the Pearl Harbor attack was received. The vessel made a blacked-out, zigzagging return to port at full speed, subsequently serving throughout the war carrying troops and supplies. One of her most notable wartime passengers was Australian Prime Minister Curtin, whom she transported to his meeting with President Roosevelt.

Post-war Matson Service

After a post-war refit, Lurline resumed her position as the Pacific Ocean's premier passenger liner. She continued in this role until air travel competition made her operations uneconomical.

Chandris Line Service

In 1962, Chandris Line purchased the vessel, attracted by her tonnage and interior beauty. Her original name was transferred to the former Matsonia. Following an extensive refit at North Shields, which included new funnels and a modernized superstructure, the ship was converted to single-class tourist accommodation for 1,668 passengers. As Ellinis, she commenced her maiden voyage from Piraeus to Sydney on December 30, 1963, returning via the Panama Canal to Southampton. For the next decade, she maintained regular immigrant voyages to Australia and continued around-the-world services on an eastward route.

Final Years

Ellinis was laid up in Piraeus in 1980 after more than 50 years of service. In 1986, she was sold to Taiwanese shipbreakers and was scrapped in 1987.

Technical Specifications

Specification	Details
Tonnage	18,021
Length	129.9m (632 ft)
Beam	24.2m (79 ft)
Propulsion	Geared Turbines, Twin Screws
Speed	22 knots
Initial Passenger Capacity	475 first class, 240 tourist
Later Passenger Capacity	1,668 tourist class
Crew	359