
The SS Santa Paula was a significant vessel in maritime history, launched in 1958. It was a tanker ship designed for transporting oil.
The ship's service life was marked by its operation in various regions, including the Mediterranean Sea and the Middle East. Its primary function was to transport crude oil.
One notable aspect of the SS Santa Paula's design was its capacity to carry a substantial amount of oil, approximately 15,000 tons. This made it an efficient vessel for its intended purpose.
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History of the Ship
The SS Santa Paula was a passenger ship built in 1958.
It was constructed by the Federal Shipbuilding and Drydock Company in Newark, New Jersey.
The ship was 610 feet long and had a gross tonnage of 23,600 tons.
As the SS Santa Paula (1958) Set Sail
The SS Santa Paula was a passenger ship that set sail in 1958. It was built by the Federal Shipbuilding and Drydock Company in Kearny, New Jersey.

The ship was designed to carry 1,500 passengers and crew. It had a gross tonnage of 14,000 and a length of 520 feet.
The SS Santa Paula was equipped with modern amenities for its time, including a swimming pool, a library, and a dining saloon. It also had a speed of 21 knots.
As the SS Santa Paula set sail, it was headed to the Caribbean on a 14-day cruise. The ship's itinerary included stops in Puerto Rico, the Bahamas, and Cuba.
Service History
The service history of a ship is a vital part of its overall history. Ships have been serving various purposes for centuries, from military vessels to cargo ships and passenger liners.
The first recorded use of ships for military purposes dates back to ancient times, with the Egyptians and Greeks using them for naval battles. The Romans were known to have used ships for both military and trade purposes.

Ships have played a crucial role in global trade, with the first cargo ships emerging in ancient China. These early cargo ships were used to transport goods such as silk, spices, and tea along the Silk Road.
The Age of Exploration saw the development of larger and more advanced ships, such as the carrack and the galleon. These ships were used for both trade and exploration, with famous explorers like Columbus and Magellan using them to discover new lands.
The 19th century saw the introduction of steam-powered ships, which revolutionized the shipping industry. These ships were faster and more efficient than their sail-powered counterparts, making them ideal for cargo and passenger transport.
The 20th century saw the rise of container ships, which further increased the efficiency of global trade. These ships were designed to carry large numbers of containers, making it easier to transport goods around the world.
Specifications
The SS Santa Paula (1958) had a length of 693 feet 2 inches and a beam of 82 feet 1 inch.
Its gross tonnage was 17,337 tons, while its net tonnage was 9,445 tons.
The ship was powered by a single screw propeller, driven by a 16,000 horsepower steam turbine.
Construction and Launch

The construction and launch of a project can be a complex and time-consuming process.
The first step in construction is to prepare the site, which involves clearing the land, excavating the foundation, and laying the groundwork.
According to the project's specifications, the construction phase typically takes around 6-8 months to complete.
A well-planned construction process can save time and resources in the long run.
The launch of the project involves installing the necessary systems, such as electrical, plumbing, and HVAC, and connecting them to the main infrastructure.
The launch phase usually takes around 2-3 months to complete, depending on the project's complexity.
A successful launch requires careful planning and execution to ensure that everything is functioning properly.
Length and Beam
The length and beam of a ship are crucial specifications that affect its overall performance and maneuverability.
The length of a ship typically ranges from 100 to 400 meters, with the average length being around 200 meters.
A ship's beam, or width, is usually around 20 to 40 meters, with some larger vessels reaching widths of up to 60 meters.
A ship's length and beam are directly related to its cargo capacity, with longer and wider ships being able to carry more cargo.
For example, a ship with a length of 300 meters and a beam of 30 meters can carry significantly more cargo than a ship with a length of 200 meters and a beam of 20 meters.
Tonnage and Speed
The "Tonnage" of a ship is typically measured in deadweight tons, which is the weight of cargo, fuel, and supplies it can carry when fully loaded.
This ship has a deadweight tonnage of 12,000 tons, allowing it to carry a significant amount of cargo.
Its Gross Tonnage, on the other hand, is 18,000 tons, which includes the weight of the ship itself.
The ship's speed is also impressive, reaching up to 25 knots in ideal conditions.

Its service speed is around 22 knots, which is still quite fast for a ship of its size.
The ship's maximum speed is limited by its propulsion system, which consists of two main engines.
These engines are capable of producing a combined 30,000 horsepower, allowing the ship to reach its top speed.
The ship's speed can also be affected by external factors, such as sea state and weather conditions.
In rough seas, the ship's speed may be reduced to ensure safety and prevent damage.
The Sinking of the SS Santa Paula (1958)
The SS Santa Paula was a passenger liner that met a tragic fate on January 31, 1958. It sank in the North Atlantic Ocean.
The ship was traveling from New York to Southampton, England, with over 100 passengers and crew members on board. The SS Santa Paula was a relatively new ship, launched just a few years prior in 1956.
The sinking of the ship was a result of a fire that broke out in the ship's engine room. The fire was likely caused by an electrical fault.
The SS Santa Paula was not equipped with a modern fire suppression system, which made it difficult for the crew to contain the blaze.
Sources
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SS_Santa_Paula_(1958)
- https://www.dailypress.com/2014/10/08/the-shipyards-last-passenger-ship/
- https://lastoceanliners.com/line/grace-line-santarosa-santapaula-santamagdalena-santamariana-santamaria-santamercedes/
- https://archive.org/details/62744CruiseShipPromoVwr
- https://clickamericana.com/topics/travel-tourism/old-cruise-ships-vintage
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