The SS Corinthic refers to two prominent steamships operated by the [[Shaw, Savill & Albion Line]] that primarily served the passenger and refrigerated cargo routes between the [[United Kingdom]] and [[Australia]]/[[New Zealand]].
SS Corinthic (1902)
The first vessel to bear the name Corinthic was a passenger and refrigerated cargo liner launched on 14 March 1902 by [[Harland & Wolff]] in [[Belfast]], [[Ireland]], for the Shaw, Savill & Albion Line. She was part of the "White Star-Shaw Savill Service," a joint venture with the [[White Star Line]].
- Tonnage: 12,367 [[Gross register tonnage|GRT]]
- Length: 500 feet (152.4 m)
- Beam: 63.3 feet (19.3 m)
- Propulsion: Twin-screw [[steam engine]]
- Capacity: Designed to carry approximately 1,200 passengers across various classes (saloon, second-class, and steerage) in addition to extensive cargo holds, particularly for refrigerated produce like meat and dairy.
- Routes: Primarily operated on the route between London and New Zealand, often calling at [[Cape Town]], South Africa.
- Service: During [[World War I]], she served as a [[troopship]], playing a crucial role in transporting forces from New Zealand and Australia to Europe. After the war, she returned to commercial service on her established routes.
- Fate: With newer tonnage entering service and the economic pressures of the Great Depression, the Corinthic was deemed uneconomical. She was sold for scrap in 1931 and broken up at Dalmuir, [[Scotland]]. Her sister ships were SS Athenic (1902) and SS Ionic (1903).
SS Corinthic (1947)
The second ship named Corinthic was a post-[[World War II]] passenger and refrigerated cargo liner, launched on 14 August 1947 by [[Cammell Laird]] in [[Birkenhead]], [[England]], also for the Shaw, Savill & Albion Line. She was the lead ship of a class of six similar vessels built to modernize the company's fleet after wartime losses.
- Tonnage: 15,626 GRT
- Length: 536 feet (163.4 m)
- Beam: 70 feet (21.3 m)
- Propulsion: Twin-screw [[steam turbine]]
- Speed: 17 knots (31 km/h; 20 mph)
- Capacity: Approximately 85 first-class passengers and substantial refrigerated cargo capacity, designed to carry valuable produce such as lamb and butter from the Antipodes to the UK.
- Routes: Maintained the traditional service between the UK and New Zealand/Australia, contributing to vital trade and passenger links in the post-war era.
- Service: She represented a symbol of post-war recovery and modernization for the Shaw, Savill & Albion Line, known for her distinctive single large funnel and clean, contemporary lines.
- Fate: After nearly two decades of service, changing global economics, increasing competition from air travel, and the approaching end of her economic lifespan led to her withdrawal. The SS Corinthic was sold for scrap in 1965 and broken up at Mihara, [[Japan]]. Her notable sister ships included SS Gothic (1948) and SS Persic (1949).