History of MS Stockholm (1941) in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: June 11, 2025

MS Stockholm refers to two ocean liners commissioned by the Swedish American Line from Italy (1936-1941). The first ship was destroyed by fire during construction (1938). The second, completed in 1941, was immediately sold to the Italian government and renamed MS Sabaudia. It served in the Regia Marina and Kriegsmarine during World War II, potentially as a troopship, though it is unknown if it was actually ever used for that purpose. MS Sabaudia was sunk by British bombers near Trieste in 1944.

1929: Resemblance to SS Bremen

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

1930: Resemblance to SS Europa

The 1941 Stockholm resembled a smaller version of North German Lloyd's 1930-built 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: Construction Started

Construction of the two near-identical ocean liners named MS Stockholm started in 1936 in Monfalcone, Italy.

May 1938: Ship Launched from Dry Dock

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

December 1938: Stockholm Catches Fire

On the night of 19 December 1938, the Stockholm caught fire in her fitting-out berth due to unknown reasons, resulting in the ship sinking.

1938: Fire Destroys First Ship

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

1938: Bridge on Separate Deck

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

March 1939: Projected Delivery Date

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

1939: Vessel Scrapped

By 1939, parts of the vessel that couldn't be reused from the fire damage was scrapped.

March 1940: New Stockholm Launched

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

October 1941: Ship Ready for Delivery

In October 1941, the new Stockholm was ready for delivery to the Swedish American Line.

November 1941: Sale to Italian Government

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