Maasdam

The Maasdam (4) was a passenger liner built by NV Wilton-Fijenoord in Schiedam, Netherlands. Though originally intended as a freighter, Holland America Line changed the vessel's design to a passenger ship following the successful conversion of the intended Dinteldyk (2) to Ryndam (2).

Construction and Design

The vessel was launched on April 5, 1952, and began her inaugural voyage on August 11, 1952. Maasdam was virtually identical to Ryndam with minor internal variations. The ship featured a small first-class section on the uppermost Boat Deck, with all staterooms equipped with private facilities. The Promenade Deck contained public rooms and extended aft to an outdoor lido area. Both ships were notable for their distinctive slender funnels.

Service History

Initially, Maasdam served the Rotterdam/Channel Ports/New York route alongside Holland America's flagship, the 36,000-ton Nieuw Amsterdam (2). In 1960, she was transferred to the Rotterdam/Montreal service. A significant incident occurred in 1963 when, after changing terminals to Bremerhaven, she struck the submerged wreck of the British freighter Harborough while departing the River Weser. The damage was extensive enough to require towing back to port for repairs.

Later Years

In 1965, Maasdam underwent a major conversion to accommodate 860 passengers in a single class configuration. She then operated trans-Atlantic express voyages and later served as an emigrant ship to Australia. The vessel's final disposition came with her sale to Poland, where she was renamed Stefan Batory.

Key Facts

Specification	Details
Tonnage	15,024 gross
Dimensions	503 x 69 ft (153.3 m x 21 m)
Service Speed	16.5 knots
Propulsion	Two General-Electric D.R.G. steam turbines (9350 SHP)
Screws	Single
Passenger Decks	Six
Crew	306
Initial Passenger Capacity	39 first class, 822 tourist class
Later Passenger Capacity	240 first, 377 second, 1,818 third class
Livery	Grey hull, white superstructure; buff, green and white funnel and red boot-topping