History of MS Stockholm (1941) in Timeline

MS Stockholm refers to two ocean liners commissioned by the Swedish American Line in the late 1930s. The first ship was destroyed by fire during construction in 1938. The second ship, completed in 1941, was immediately sold to the Italian government and renamed MS Sabaudia. It was used by the Regia Marina and Kriegsmarine, though it's unclear if it functioned as a troopship. MS Sabaudia was sunk by British bombers outside Trieste in 1944, marking the end of its brief service during World War II.

1925: MS Gripsholm Built

In 1925, the Swedish American Line saw a rise in popularity due to transatlantic and cruise traffic with their purpose-built ship, MS Gripsholm.

1928: MS Kungsholm Built

In 1928, the Swedish American Line saw a rise in popularity due to transatlantic and cruise traffic with their purpose-built ship, MS Kungsholm.

1928: Art Deco Interior

Like SAL's 1928-built Kungsholm, the Stockholm was decorated in modernist art deco style.

1929: Resemblance to Bremen

The 1941 Stockholm resembled a smaller version of North German Lloyd's 1929-built Blue Riband winners SS Bremen.

1930: Resemblance to Europa

The 1941 Stockholm resembled a smaller version of North German Lloyd's 1930-built Blue Riband winners SS Europa.

November 1936: Order Placed for New Stockholm

In November 1936, the Swedish American Line placed an order for the new Stockholm at Cantieri Riuniti dell' Adriatico, Italy.

1936: Ship Build

Construction of the two near-identical ocean liners, MS Stockholm, began in 1936 at Cantieri Riuniti dell' Adriatico, Monfalcone, Italy for the Swedish American Line.

May 1938: Launch From Dry Dock

On 29 May 1938, the Stockholm was launched from dry dock and towed to the fitting out berth.

December 1938: Stockholm Catches Fire

During the night of 19 December 1938, the Stockholm caught fire in her fitting-out berth, resulting in the ship sinking due to large amounts of water pumped on the ship to extinguish the fire.

1938: First Ship Destroyed by Fire

In 1938, the first MS Stockholm ship was entirely destroyed by fire during construction.

1938: Bridge Location on the 1938 ship

In the 1938 ship the bridge was located on a separate deck on the top of the ship.

March 1939: Projected Delivery Date

The delivery date for the new Stockholm was projected to be in March 1939.

1939: Vessel Scrapped

By 1939, the parts of the vessel that couldn't be reused were scrapped after the ship was deemed beyond salvage.

March 1940: New Stockholm Launched

In March 1940, the new Stockholm was launched amidst World War II in Europe.

October 1941: Ship Ready for Delivery

In October 1941, the new Stockholm was ready for delivery to her owners.

November 1941: Ship Sold to Italian Government

On 3 November 1941, due to the war and suspension of transatlantic services, the Stockholm was sold to the Italian government, renamed MS Sabaudia, and converted to a troopship.

1941: Ship Completed and Sold

In 1941, the second ship, MS Stockholm, was completed but immediately sold to the Italian government to be used as a troopship.

1941: Bridge Location Changed

In the 1941 ship it was decided to move the bridge down by one deck, giving the ship a more streamlined appearance.

September 1943: German Takeover of Sabaudia

In September 1943, following Italy's armistice with the Allies, the German Wehrmacht took over the Sabaudia on 9 September. The ship's exact use is unknown but was either as a troopship or a housing ship at Trieste.

July 1944: Sabaudia Hit and Sunk

On 6 July 1944, the Sabaudia was hit during an Allied air raid on Trieste and caught fire. She capsized and sunk the following day. Some sources say she was purposefully scuttled by German forces.