Ormuz (2)
The Ormuz (2) was a passenger liner whose life spanned a tumultuous period in maritime history, serving under three different names for two major shipping lines. Originally laid down as the Zeppelin for Norddeutscher Lloyd, she was intended to be the largest and most luxurious vessel on the German-Australian route before World War I interrupted her completion.
Construction and Early Years
Launched on June 9, 1914, at Bremer Vulkan S & M in Vegesack, Germany, the vessel was originally named Zeppelin in honor of Graf Ferdinand von Zeppelin, the airship pioneer. She was intended to operate between Bremen, Southampton, and Sydney, replacing the smaller vessels Seydlitz and Bulow on this route.
World War I and Transfer
The outbreak of World War I left the ship as an uncompleted shell in her fitting-out berth. Following Germany's defeat, she was surrendered to the United States military and completed as a troop transport. In 1919, she was awarded to the Orient Line, becoming their third post-war addition to the fleet.
Orient Line Service
After a refit in Rotterdam, the renamed Ormuz (2) commenced her maiden voyage from London to Brisbane on November 12, 1921. She served on the Australian route for five years, carrying numerous immigrants to their new home in Australia. However, as Orient Line planned to rebuild their fleet with the larger 20,000-ton Orama class vessels, Ormuz (2) was offered for sale.
Final Years as Dresden
In 1927, the vessel was ironically sold back to her original owners, Norddeutscher Lloyd. Renamed Dresden (avoiding the politically sensitive Zeppelin name), she began transatlantic service on August 5, 1927. With the introduction of the 50,000-ton Bremen (4) and Europa (2), she was reassigned to North Sea and Mediterranean cruises from Bremen.
Final Fate
On June 20, 1934, Dresden struck rocks in Bokn Fjord and was beached on the shores of Karmoy island. While most passengers were safely transferred to a Danish ship for return to Germany, four lives were lost. The following day, the ship rolled onto her port beam and lay semi-submerged until local ship-breaking interests broke her up.
Key Facts
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Gross Tonnage | 14,588 |
| Length | 570'6" (173.7m) |
| Beam | 67' (20.4m) |
| Draught | 29' (8.8m) |
| Engines | Two Vulkan quadruple-expansion (9,500 IHP) |
| Speed | 15 knots |
| Passenger Capacity | 293 first class, 882 third class |
| Crew | 320 |
| Sister Ships | Berlin (3), Stuttgart (2) |
Livery
The vessel featured a black hull with white superstructure, yellow funnels, and red boot-topping throughout her career.