Nea Hellas

Built in 1922 by Fairfield Shipbuilding & Engineering Co. in Glasgow, this vessel began life as the Tuscania, one of four sister ships ordered by the Anchor Line for their trans-Atlantic services. Her sisters were the Cameronia, Tyrrhenia (later Lancastria), and California, with the latter two lost during World War II.

Construction and Early Years (1922-1939)

The vessel commenced her maiden voyage in September 1922 from Glasgow to New York. After just four years of service, she was offered for sale but failed to find buyers. She subsequently operated under charter to Cunard on the London-New York route during summers, while winters from August 1931 were spent on Anchor Line's India service. By 1935, her passenger accommodation had been modified to carry 206 cabin, 439 tourist, and 431 third class passengers. The ship was laid up in 1937 and again offered for sale.

Greek Line Service and Wartime Years (1939-1947)

In April 1939, the General Steam Navigation Co. of Greece (Greek Line) purchased the vessel and renamed her Nea Hellas. She departed Piraeus on her first voyage to New York under the Greek flag on May 19, 1939. The outbreak of war soon disrupted this service. In 1941, she was requisitioned by the British government and served as a troop transport, managed by the Anchor Line for the Ministry of War Transport. British troops reportedly nicknamed her "Near to Hell."

Post-War Operations (1947-1954)

Returned to Greek Line in January 1947, she underwent a refit configuring her for 1,430 passengers in three classes. She resumed the New York trade from Piraeus in August 1947. On January 24, 1949, she departed Genoa carrying 1,525 passengers and one stowaway for Melbourne. Upon arrival at Station Pier on February 23, the Australian Seamen's Union imposed a ban over the detention and death of a Greek Trade Union Leader, delaying her departure until February 26.

Final Years as New York (1954-1961)

In late 1954, the ship received an extensive refit and was renamed New York, emerging with accommodation for 70 first and 1,369 tourist class passengers. From March 1955, she operated on the Bremerhaven-New York route until September 1959, when she made a final voyage from Piraeus to Quebec. After being laid up in Quebec, she was sold to Japanese breakers, arriving at Onomichi on October 12, 1961.

Key Facts

Specification	Details
Built	1922, Fairfield Shipbuilding & Engineering Co., Glasgow
Tonnage	16,991 gross
Dimensions	580 x 70 ft (176.8 x 21.4 m)
Speed	16 knots
Propulsion	Geared turbines, twin screws
Initial Passenger Capacity	240 first, 377 second, 1,818 third class