WesWorld

Marinkuriren July 18th 1921: SHIPS ACQUIRED
Following the recent departure of the expeditionary fleet, the mail-, passenger- and cargo-services that tie our nation together have been badly undersupplied with tonnage. This situation has now being rectified.

Following negotiations with the British government, the British Shipping Controller has released for sale to Nordmark three steamers, the 13000-tonners Pretoria, Graf Waldersee, and Patricia, all late of Hapag of Hamburg. The ships will be taken over by Bergenske Dampskibsselskab and be renamed Cassiopeia, Mira and Pollux. As part of the contract of purchase, Nordmark has pledged not to utilise the vessels in any way directly connected with the current war-effort.

Likewise, the US Shipping Board has authorised a five-year lease with option for purchase of the nine steamers Huron (formerly the Friedrich der Grosse), Mercury (formerly the Barbarossa), Von Steuben (formerly the prestige trans-Atlatic express-steamer Kronprinz Wilhelm), Agamemnon (formerly the prestige trans-Atlatic express-steamer Kaiser Wilhelm II), Mount Vernon (formerly the prestige trans-Atlatic express-steamer Kronprinzessin Cecilie), all late of Norddeutscher Lloyd, and Nansemond (formerly the Pennsylvania), and Philippines (formerly the Bulgaria), both late of Hapag. The ships are to be divided between the Royal Nordmark Mail Line and Den Nordmarkske Amerika-Linje. No decision has been forthcoming from the American Line concerning the sale of their ageing steamers St Louis and St Paul; it is believed that the company is awaiting directions from the American government on this matter. It is understood that if sold, these vessels will pass on to Nordenfjeldske Dampskibsselskab, and most likely be renamed St Sunniva and St Hallvard.

This comes in addition to the recent purchase of the German former expressliner Victoria Louise, which will be taken over by Bergenske Dampskibsselskab and renamed DS Castor, following completion of refit.