Victory ships were somewhat larger than Liberty ships in length (455 ft. vs 441 ft.) and beam (i.e., width, 62 ft. vs. 57 ft.), so could carry more cargo or troops. Most importantly, they were significantly faster than Liberty ships, with a top speed of 15 to 17 knots vs. 11 knots for Liberty ships, and had a greater operating range. Victory ships were powered by steam turbine or diesel engines, a great improvement over the antiquated Liberty ship reciprocating steam engine, which contributed to their greater speed.
There were 534 Victory ships built, compared with more than 2,700 Liberty ships. Because they were built relatively late in World War II, there were rather limited wartime losses among Victory ships. Some Victory ships were re-activated for service in the Korean War and even the Viet Nam War. There are two Victory ships that are currently operational as museum ships (AMERICAN VICTORY in Tampa and LANE VICTORY in San Pedro, CA) with a third being restored (RED OAK VICTORY, Richmond, CA). A very few Victory ships probably still remain in the reserve fleet at various locations. So far as I know, there are no Victory ships currently in commercial operation.
Most Victory ships had the word "Victory" in their name although of course many were renamed after their wartime service. Victory ships were named after allied countries, U.S. cities and U.S. colleges and universities. Red Oak, Iowa, for example, suffered a disproportionate number of casualties in World War II and had a Victory ship named in honor of its sacrifices. There was a DUKE VICTORY, the origin of which name is obvious to someone like you from North Carolina.
I don't know that I entirely agree with the observation that Liberty ships were not built to last. They probably weren't expected to last (I've heard it said that five years was their anticipated life span) but in fact many lasted a very long time. Sold to private shipping companies, many operated around the world in commercial service well into the 1960s and even the 1970s. Not bad for a five-year life span.
Ron Carlson, Webmaster
Responses « Back to index | View thread »