Orvieto
The Orvieto was one of six prestigious 12,000-ton passenger liners built for the Orient Steam Navigation Company between 1908 and 1911. Constructed at Workman, Clark & Co. in Belfast, she was the second ship completed in this series after the Otranto (1).
Construction and Design
Launched on July 6, 1909, and completed in November of the same year, Orvieto featured distinctive raked twin funnels and masts fitted with 'Admiralty cowl' tops. Along with Otranto (1), she differed from her Clyde-built sisters by having the bridge-house mounted flush with the forward structure, creating a more impressive profile. The vessel displayed the classic Orient Line livery of a black hull, white superstructure, yellow funnels, and red boot-topping.
Early Service (1909-1914)
Orvieto commenced her maiden voyage to Brisbane on November 26, 1909, operating on routes to Australia and Asia. She was part of the "Orsova" class, alongside sister ships Orsova (1), Otway, Osterley, Otranto (1), and Orama (1).
Wartime Service (1914-1918)
When World War I broke out in 1914, Orvieto was initially commissioned as a mine-layer before being converted and equipped with guns for service as an armed merchant cruiser. She successfully survived the war.
Post-War Service (1918-1930)
Following the war, Orvieto returned to her owners and, after a refit, resumed civilian passenger service. She proved highly popular, maintaining strong patronage even after the introduction of the larger 'Orama' class vessels in the 1920s. In November 1922, the ship experienced an eight-day delay in Melbourne due to a crew strike demanding Australian award wages during their time in Australian waters. This coincided with her arrival from Sydney and Brisbane carrying passengers for the Melbourne Cup. By 1930, Orvieto was offered for sale at scrap value.
Key Facts
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Builder | Workman, Clark & Co., Belfast |
| Dimensions | 554ft x 64ft (168.8m x 19.5m) |
| Draught | 28ft (8.5m) |
| Gross Tonnage | 12,133 tons |
| Engines | Two W & C quadruple-expansion engines (14,000 IHP) |
| Speed | 18 knots |
| Passenger Capacity | 235 first class, 185 second class, 850 third class |
| Crew | 350 |