MBT Passenger ship SS "France" - Comp. Gen. Atlantique - Construction drawing Scale 1:200 (10.10.136)

The SS France (1960–1974) was an iconic French passenger ship, built by the Compagnie Générale Transatlantique (CGT), better known as the French Line. The ship was a symbol of national pride and technological progress in the French shipping industry.

Technical Specifications

Year of construction: 1960

Entered service: 3 February 1962

Shipyard: Chantiers de l’Atlantique, Saint-Nazaire, France

Length: 316.1 metres (the longest passenger ship in the world at the time of launch)

Width: 33.8 metres

Draught: 10.8 metres

Gross tonnage: 66,348 GRT (1961)

Speed: Service speed 30 knots, maximum 35 knots

Propulsion: Four Parson steam turbines, 175,000 hp

Fuel consumption: 750 tonnes of oil per 24 hours

Passenger capacity: 2,044 (407 first class, 1,637 tourist class)

Crew: 1,253

Interior design

The interior of the France was a showcase of modern French design, with an emphasis on luxury and functionality. The interiors were designed using limited materials such as aluminium, Formica and plastic veneer, due to stricter fire safety regulations following the Second World War. Nevertheless, the lounges and dining rooms were characterised by elegant finishes and a refined atmosphere. The on-board galley was remarkably large, covering an area of 1,500 square metres and staffed by 180 of the finest French chefs and personnel. The on-board Grille Room was acclaimed as one of the finest French restaurants in the world.

Service and Fate

Transatlantic Service: The France sailed between Le Havre and New York, with an average crossing time of five days.

Oil Crisis: Due to the oil crisis in the early 1970s, operating costs became too high, leading to its decommissioning in October 1974.

Sale and Conversion: In 1979, the ship was sold to Norwegian Caribbean Line and renamed SS Norway. Following extensive refurbishment, the ship was relaunched as a cruise ship in 1980.

Final Service: The Norway remained in service until 2003, after which the ship was scrapped.

Specifications: