TSS Castel Felice
The Castel Felice began life as the Kenya, built in 1930 by A. Stephen & Sons on the Clyde for the British-India Steam Navigation Company. Purpose-built for tropical service with two open promenade decks, she would go on to serve multiple roles over four decades, including wartime service and ultimately becoming one of the most significant post-war immigrant ships to Australia.
Early Years as Kenya (1930-1941)
Originally constructed as a 9,900-ton vessel, the Kenya made her maiden voyage from England to Bombay on December 18, 1931. She operated between Bombay and Durban in South Africa, carrying both passengers and general cargo.
Wartime Service (1941-1948)
In 1940, the British Government requisitioned the vessel for the war effort. She was initially renamed HMS Hydra and then HMS Keren, serving as an infantry landing ship during the North African campaigns of 1942, as well as operations in Sicily and Madagascar. After the war, she was laid up at Holy Loch in Scotland.
Post-War Changes (1948-1952)
The vessel underwent several ownership changes:
- 1948: Sold to Alva SS Co
- 1949: Purchased by the Vlasov group
- 1950: Transferred to Sitmar Line
- 1952: Underwent extensive refits and renamed Castel Felice
Sitmar Line Service (1952-1970)
The Castel Felice commenced her new career with a maiden voyage from Genoa to Melbourne on October 6, 1952. Her service included:
- 1953: Regular South America route
- 1953-55: Pioneered Bremerhaven-Quebec and Bremerhaven-Melbourne-Sydney routes
- 1956: Atlantic service to New York
- 1957: Round-the-world service with Fairsea
- 1958: Permanent immigrant service to Australia via Suez, returning via Auckland and Panama Canal
The ship's career ended in 1970 following a fire in the accommodation section while berthed at Southampton. Her furnishings were salvaged for use on the Cunard ships Fairsea and Fairwind before she departed Sydney for breaking in Taiwan.
Legacy
Over 18 years of immigrant service, the Castel Felice completed 101 voyages, carrying more than 100,000 emigrants to Australia and New Zealand. She was particularly notable for transporting Italian, Dutch, German, and other European migrants to their new homes in Australia.
Key Facts
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Length | 150.3m |
| Beam | 19.5m |
| Draft | 7.6m |
| Gross Tonnage | 12,150 tons |
| Power | 11,000 shp single-reduction-geared steam turbines |
| Speed | 15 knots (later 16 knots) |
| Passenger Capacity | 246 first class, 1,981 second class |