Orontes (2)
The Orontes (2) was the fifth and final vessel of the "Orama" class built for Orient Steam Navigation, launched in 1929. Named after the earlier Orontes (1) of 1902, this new vessel featured distinctive Art Deco styling that set her apart from her sister ships. She would become the last Orient vessel to feature multiple funnels.
Construction and Design
Launched on February 26, 1929, by Lady Anderson at Vickers-Armstrongs Ltd., England, the Orontes (2) was completed in July 1929. The vessel featured a more rakish bow and modern promenade deck stanchion layout than her sisters, embracing the Art Deco style of the era. Her first-class dining room and café were particularly notable, featuring splendid paneling, fluted columns, and mirrors. The dining room's wall frieze featured sculpted motifs of great navigators, works that were unfortunately destroyed during her scrapping in 1962.
Wartime Service (1939-1947)
During World War II, Orontes (2) served as a troopship, carrying up to 4,000 troops at a time. She participated in the Sicily campaign, where she survived dive bomber attacks. Her gun crews successfully shot down a German aircraft during these encounters. Throughout the war, she traveled 352,642 miles and later transported Australian military personnel to occupied Japan.
Post-war Service
Following a 1947 refit, Orontes (2) returned to civilian service with a modified passenger configuration of 489 first class and 608 tourist class passengers. In 1951, she was converted to a single-class vessel accommodating 1,410 tourist class passengers. Her final voyage came in February 1962, arriving at Tilbury during one of England's most severe winters, flying her paying off pennant - three feet for every year of service.
Key Facts
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Built by | Vickers-Armstrongs Ltd., England |
| Dimensions | 660 ft x 75 ft (201.1 m x 22.9 m) |
| Draught | 30 ft (9.1 m) |
| Gross Tonnage | Initially 19,970, later 20,186 |
| Propulsion | Six Parsons S.R.G. steam turbines (20,000 SHP) |
| Speed | 20 knots |
| Passenger Capacity | Initially 460 first class, 1,112 tourist class |
| Crew | 420 |
| Passenger Decks | Eight |