liner CAMBODGE

Compagnie des Messageries Maritimes, 1953 - 1970

History

Second of a series of 3 steamers of type MC intended for the line Marseille-Japan (VIETNAM, CAMBODGE, LAOS) built in the shipyards of La Ciotat, except for the second built in Chantiers de France in Dunkerque. Decorated by Jean Leleu. First departure from Marseille on July 31, 1953. From October 17, 1960 to March 28, 1961 in Marseilles following many incidents the Velox boilers are replaced by boilers Penhoet P41 at the time of the transformations brought on the three ships : extension of the forecastle deck above the hatchway of hold 2 and replacement of the 3rd classes and the ration card holders by 214 berths of class cabin. In June 1962 takes part in the repatriation of French people from Algeria from Algiers and Bône. 13 July is struck by Dutch tanker KREBSIA while entering Singapore. Repaired on the spot from July 16 to August 5. Returns from her last voyage on October 24, 1969 and is sold in December to Sun Line Inc., managed by family KIOSSEOGLU, renamed STELLA V and laid up in La Spezia, while waiting for a reconversion into a cruising steamer. Transformed from 1971 to 1973 in the shipyards of Perama close to Piraeus : capacity 750 passengers in single class, gross tonnage 10595 tx. Property of Stella Cruises Ltd. and renamed STELLA SOLARIS under Greek flag. First departure on June 25, 1973. Carries out cruisings in the Mediterranean sea during summer and in the Caribbean in winter. In 1995 a partnership with EPIROTIKI of family POTAMIANOS leads to the founding of ROYAL OLYMPIC CRUISES which takes again the fleet of both companies. Laid up in 2002. Carries out her last voyage under the name of S. SOLAR, St Vincent flag, bound for Alang (India) for demolition.