Lives of the Liners: Malolo-Queen Frederica

Lives of the Liners: Malolo-Queen Frederica
— by Bill Miller

After surviving a serious collision during her sea trials, this ship went on to induce far greater tourism to the Hawaiian islands.  And later, in a career that spanned some fifty years, it successfully served other owners on a variety of passenger services.

Built for Matson Line’s San Francisco-Honolulu service, carrying up to 693 all-first class passengers, the 17,232-grt Malolo was refitted in 1937 and renamed Matsonia. Used as a troopship 1942-46, it resumed Hawaiian services 1946-48.   Sold to the Home Lines and raising the Panamanian flag in 1948, it was renamed Atlantic for trans-Atlantic service.   Sold to again in 1954, to the National Hellenic American Line (Greek flag), it was renamed Queen Frederica.  Sold yet again, in 1965, to the Chandris Line (also Greek), it ran Atlantic crossings as well as Australian and around-the-world sailings.  Last used as a cruise ship 1970-73, it was laid-up until catching fire when being scrapped in 1978.  The remains were later demolished.