Harland and Wolff - Shipbuilding and Engineering Works

One funnel, two masts, refrigerated cargo space, triple screw and a speed of 13.25 knots. There was accommodation for 140-1st, 334-2nd and 750-3rd class passengers. Launched on 29th January 1914 as Euripides for the Aberdeen Line, and departed London on 1st July bound for Australia on her maiden voyage. Arriving in Brisbane the following month, she was requisitioned by the Australian Government, and converted to transport 2340 troops and some horses. In June 1917 she came under the control of the British Government, but continued as a troopship until being handed back to her owners in February 1919. Following a refit in Belfast, she returned to commercial service in September 1920, carrying 140 first class and 334 third class, plus 750 migrants on outbound passages from London to Australia.

In 1929 the Aberdeen Line ceased operation and Euripides was controlled by White Star Line within the Kylsant Group until 1932, when she was transferred to Shaw Savill Line. During an extensive refit, the vessel was converted from coal to oil firing and given accommodation for just 200 cabin class passengers. She was then renamed Akaroa and on 30th December 1932 left Southampton on her first voyage to New Zealand. Akaroa remained on the New Zealand trade throughout the war years though under the Shipping Controller and made occasional trips to Australia during this period. In 1946 she went to Newcastle for a much needed refit, emerging with accommodation for 190 cabin class passengers. On 5th July 1947 Akaroa resumed her commercial career with a departure from London for Auckland and Wellington then on to Melbourne and back to Britain around South Africa. She made a further four visits to Australia up to July 1950 but most of her voyages were to New Zealand and return making three trips each year. On 28th April 1954 Akaroa arrived at Southampton at the end of her final voyage and was then sold.

On 12th May 1954 the old liner arrived at the ship breaking yard of J de Smedt and Company in Antwerp, Belgium where she was scrapped.

[Merchant Fleets by Duncan Haws, vol.17, Aberdeen and Aberdeen & Commonwealth Lines]