MS Augustus (1950)
| Company type | Ocean liner |
|---|---|
| Industry | Passenger shipping |
| Founded | 1950 |
| Headquarters | Trieste , Italy |
| Products | Passenger transport, later hotel ship |
MS Augustus was a luxury ocean liner with a gross tonnage of 27,090, constructed in 1950 for the Italian Line. She was built as a sister vessel to the MS Giulio Cesare, launched in the same year, sharing identical design and specifications. Following her sale to interests in Hong Kong, the vessel operated under five different names. Subsequently acquired by Manila Hotel, she was renamed MS Philippines and repurposed as a stationary hotel ship. Reports from Maritimematters and maritime sources indicate that MS Philippines was sold for dismantling in September 2011. By December of that year, she had been beached at Alang awaiting scrapping.[1]
Conception and construction
Following the conclusion of World War II, the Italian Line faced the loss of much of their fleet, including their two flagship superliners, SS Rex and SS Conte di Savoia. To replace these vessels, plans were made to construct two new ocean liners of 27,000 GRT each for post-war operations. The Giulio Cesare and the Augustus embodied strength and elegance, featuring broad, rounded bows, smoothly curved superstructures, contemporary masts, a massive funnel, and sleek sterns. The exterior design was refined to meet the most exacting standards, highlighted by tastefully sculpted bridge wings, a distinctive curvature at the rear base of the funnel, and a unique ventilator positioned aft of the funnel that earned the nickname "robot" due to its unusual form. These two liners represented significant examples of Italian postwar shipbuilding.Template:Fix/category[clarification needed] Propelled by twin 12-cylinder Fiat diesel engines producing 24,000 brake horsepower (bhp), they drove dual screws enabling a cruising speed of 21 knots. Both ships were tailored for service on the Italy-South America route and featured accommodations split into three classes. Their interiors were fully air-conditioned and included swimming pools for each class, designed to evoke the atmosphere of a luxurious hotel while showcasing advanced technology.[2][3]
Features
The Augustus comprised nine passenger decks arranged from just below the top superstructure: Sun Deck, Lido Deck, Boat Deck, Promenade Deck, Upper Deck, Foyer Deck, A Deck, B Deck, and C Deck. The Sun Deck originated at the wheelhouse and chartroom area, extending along both sides toward the aft around the funnel casing, kennels, and the distinctive "robot" ventilator; this deck was dedicated to first class amenities. Beginning with a narrow wrap-around promenade and officers' quarters, the Lido Deck culminated at the rear with a bar, first class swimming pool, and changing facilities.[4]
Forward on the Boat Deck was another narrow promenade that widened beneath a canopy supported by lifeboats and davits on either side. Inside this deck was the first class Belvedere Observation Lounge featuring panoramic windows overlooking the ship's bow.[4]
Continuing aft on the starboard side was a reading room adjacent to the first class writing room located amidships. The uppermost level of the forward staircase was positioned just aft with elegant burled wood paneling and modern glass railings. An elevator served this section of first class decks. Deluxe suites were situated along port and aft passageways leading to amenities such as a small gymnasium, playroom, solarium, and message room on the starboard side. The aft portion of Boat Deck housed cabin class facilities including its own pool, lido area, and bar.[4]
At the front of Promenade Deck was a first class observation space followed by an encompassing area similar to number three decks that extended aft via narrow corridors to a glass-enclosed first class promenade. Inside was an impressive social hall adorned with a curved panorama of windows and an aft bulkhead decorated with bronze sculptures and reliefs by Mascherini. The ceiling featured an oval recess illuminated with zodiac-themed lighting. In 1964 this salon was converted into an auditorium; however, only the oval ceiling recess with its constellation-like lighting remained from the original design.[4]
The forward staircase lobby led aft into a foyer branching out to passageways and promenades that extended toward the first class ballroom. The staircase itself was embellished with sculptures created by Mascherini.[4]
Service with Italian Line
The Augustus was launched on 9 November 1950 at the Cantieri Riuniti dell'Adriatico shipyard in San Marco, near Trieste. The launching ceremony was performed by Francesca De Gasperi, spouse of then-Italian Prime Minister Alcide De Gasperi. Her inaugural voyage commenced on 4 March 1952, departing from Genoa bound for South America. The vessel operated a regular route starting from Genoa, with stops at Naples, Cannes, Barcelona (or Lisbon), Rio de Janeiro, Santos, Montevideo, and terminating in Buenos Aires. After the tragic sinking of the SS Andrea Doria in 1956, Augustus was reassigned to North Atlantic service in February 1957. She returned to her original Genoa-South America itinerary in 1960 following the introduction of the new SS Leonardo da Vinci on the North Atlantic route. Both she and her sister ship underwent a conversion to a two-class configuration, eliminating the cabin class. Like her sister vessel, Augustus received a refurbishment that included similar structural additions, ensuring both ships maintained a comparable appearance.
Service in Hong Kong and Philippines
The Augustus was withdrawn from active duty in January 1976 and was laid up in Naples on 15 January of that year. Subsequently sold to interests in Hong Kong, she was renamed Great Sea. After limited use under this name, she was rechristened Ocean King in 1980. In 1983, she assumed the name Philippines while serving as an accommodation ship in Manila. Two years later, in 1985, her name changed to President. She was then laid up at Kaohsiung before being renamed Asian Princess in 1987. By 1997, she had been relocated to Subic Bay and converted for cruise service; however, this venture did not prove profitable. Following this unsuccessful attempt, she was anchored off Manila. Midway through 1998, she underwent dry-docking at Subic Bay and by February 1999 returned to Manila for refurbishment aimed at operating as a floating hotel and restaurant.
On 2 October 1999, the ship was berthed at Pier 15 South Harbour Manila after acquisition by the Manila Hotel. A formal renaming ceremony took place on 12 October 1999, attended by President Estrada, officially restoring her name as MS Philippines. She opened to the public shortly thereafter and began operating as a hotel in early 2000. However, due to political unrest affecting operations, the hotel eventually ceased functioning. It later reopened as an onshore hotel but was ultimately laid up for sale. Although Italian buyers showed interest, no transaction materialized and the vessel was sold for dismantling. Between January and October 2012, scrapping operations took place at Alang, India, resulting in the complete disappearance of any recognizable remnants of the former Augustus.
References
- ↑ "Augustus 1952 - Ocean Liner Museum - Ocean Liner Museum UnLtd". Ocean Liner Museum. Archived from the original on 26 January 2016. Retrieved 15 January 2016.
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