SS France (1910)

Name	SS France
Builders
Operators
Preceded by
Succeeded by
Subclasses
Cost
Built
In service
In commission

Name	SS France
Namesake
Owner	Compagnie Générale Transatlantique
Operator	Compagnie Générale Transatlantique
Registry	France
Route	Transatlantic
Ordered
Awarded

Class and type
Tonnage	23,769 GRT
Displacement
Tons burthen
Length	217.6 m (714 ft)
Beam	23.0 m (75 ft)
Height
Draught	9.2 m (30 ft)
Depth
Depth of hold

Part of
Identification codes
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The SS France was a French ocean liner built by Chantiers de l'Atlantique for the Compagnie Générale Transatlantique (CGT). Launched in 1910, she was one of the most luxurious and largest ships of her time, serving primarily on the Transatlantic route between Le Havre and New York City.

Design and Construction

The SS France was designed to compete with the British liners of the time, such as the RMS Lusitania and RMS Mauretania. Her construction began in 1908 at the Chantiers de l'Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France. The ship was launched on 20 September 1910 and completed in 1912.

The ship was 217.6 meters long and had a beam of 23 meters. She was powered by steam turbines, which allowed her to reach speeds of up to 23 knots. The SS France was equipped with luxurious accommodations for her passengers, including grand dining rooms, lounges, and state-of-the-art amenities for the time.

Service History

The SS France made her maiden voyage on 20 April 1912, just days after the sinking of the RMS Titanic. She quickly became known for her elegance and speed, attracting wealthy passengers and celebrities.

During World War I, the SS France was requisitioned by the French Navy and converted into a troopship. She played a significant role in transporting soldiers across the Atlantic.

After the war, she returned to civilian service and underwent several refits to modernize her facilities. However, by the late 1920s, newer and faster ships began to overshadow her, leading to a decline in her popularity.

Decommissioning and Fate

The SS France was withdrawn from service in 1932 due to the economic impact of the Great Depression and the competition from more modern liners. She was laid up in Le Havre until 1935, when she was sold for scrap. The ship was dismantled in 1936.

Legacy

The SS France is remembered as a symbol of French maritime prestige and luxury. Her legacy continued with the launch of the SS Normandie in 1935, which became one of the most famous ocean liners of the 20th century.

Also see

• RMS Titanic
• RMS Lusitania
• SS Normandie
• Compagnie Générale Transatlantique
• Ocean liner