The Failure of SS Michelangelo and SS Raffaello
Big Old Boats・2 minutes read
Air travel surpassed sea travel for transatlantic crossings in 1958, leading to a decline in ocean liner popularity. The Italian Line attempted to modernize its fleet with the Michelangelo and Rafael, facing challenges that ultimately led to their withdrawal from service.
Insights
- The Italian Line faced challenges in revitalizing its fleet post-World War II, with setbacks like the Andrea Doria's collision in 1956 impacting its reputation and leading to the need for replacements for aging liners.
- Despite initial success, the modern super liners Michelangelo and Rafael struggled to attract passengers due to changing travel trends, eventually facing financial challenges and being purchased by the Imperial Iranian Navy for alternative use, marking the end of their service in the 1970s.
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Recent questions
What caused the decline in ocean liner popularity?
Air travel surpassed sea travel for transatlantic crossings in 1958, leading to a decline in ocean liner popularity.
Which Italian liners aimed to revitalize the fleet?
The Italian Line aimed to revitalize its fleet with the modern super liners, the Michelangelo and Rafael.
What setback did the Andrea Doria face in 1956?
The Andrea Doria faced a significant setback in 1956 when it collided with the Stockholm.
What challenges did the Michelangelo face during sea trials?
The Michelangelo faced challenges during sea trials, including propeller and vibration issues.
What fate befell the liners Rafaelo and Michelangelo?
The liners Rafaelo and Michelangelo faced financial challenges after government support was withdrawn, leading to their eventual withdrawal from service and purchase by the Imperial Iranian Navy for use as floating barracks.
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Summary
00:00
Italian Line's Struggle with Modern Super Liners
- In 1958, air travel surpassed sea travel for transatlantic crossings, leading to a decline in ocean liner popularity.
- The Italian Line aimed to revitalize its fleet by replacing aging liners with modern super liners, the Michelangelo and Rafael.
- The Andrea Doria and christophoro Colombo initially restored the Italian Line's reputation after World War II losses.
- The Andrea Doria's collision with the Stockholm in 1956 marked a significant setback for the Italian Line.
- The Leonardo da Vinci was ordered to replace the Andrea Doria, while the aging Ms saturnia and Ms volcania needed replacements.
- Italian shipyards experienced a period of innovation and productivity in the late 1950s.
- Ansaldo and CRDA were tasked with designing the Michelangelo and Rafael, with Ansaldo's traditional design chosen.
- Construction of the Michelangelo and Rafael faced delays due to steel shortages, labor strikes, and other issues.
- The Michelangelo faced challenges during sea trials, including propeller and vibration issues, while the Rafael performed well.
- The Michelangelo and Rafael, despite initial success, struggled to attract passengers due to changing travel trends, leading to their eventual decline and retirement.
18:28
Liners Rafaelo and Michelangelo: A Nostalgic Journey
- In 1975, the liners Rafaelo and Michelangelo faced financial challenges after government support was withdrawn, leading to their eventual withdrawal from service in April and July respectively. Despite interest from potential buyers like New Gloucester and Home Lines, the liners were eventually purchased by the Imperial Iranian Navy for $35 million in December 1976 to be used as floating barracks in Iran.
- The fate of the liners took a tragic turn with Rafaelo being heavily looted during the Iranian Revolution in 1979 and becoming a target in the Iran-Iraq war in 1983, while Michelangelo was eventually scrapped in 1991 after sitting idle for nearly a decade. Despite their unfortunate ends, both liners were remembered fondly by passengers and crews for providing a serene and nostalgic experience of ocean travel, offering a glimpse into a bygone era of luxurious and peaceful voyages.
