liner VILLE DE MARSEILLE

Compagnie Générale Transatlantique, 1951 - 1969

History

First liner of the French Line fitted with antirolling stabilizers. Sistership : VILLE DE TUNIS (1952). Launched under the name of VILLE DE MARSEILLE, conceived to serve the lines of North Africa. During her construction, modified so as to be assigned to the line Bordeaux-Casablanca. Put into service on the line Bordeaux-Casablanca in June 1951. Her speed allows her to link up both harbours in 18 hours. Performs a complete trip every week. In December is renamed MAROC. During the spring 1953, performs a trip to the West Indies and the « Firm Coast », in lieu of DE GRASSE, sold to the canadian Pacific. In January 1956, is laid up, then altered to serve the lines of North Africa, for which one was conceived. A smaller ship, the VILLE DE BORDEAUX ex-SAGA will take over from her. Put again into service in February 1956 on the North Africa Lines, under her previous name. Transferred in January 1969 to the CGTM. VILLE DE MARSEILLE will be the last classical original liner of the French Line to soil on the Mediterranean Lines. Pulled down in 1973, at BILBAO, Spain.