Argentina issued a new set of stamps on 24 September 2005, which depict four ships of the Argentinean merchant fleet.
During the Second World War, 16 Italian ships were interned in Argentinean ports, a situation which was repeated in all the American ports. An agreement between all the American countries was made allowing the interned vessels to be used for trading among all the ports in the Americas.
With this agreement in 1941, the Flota Mercante del Eastado (FME) in Argentine was created to manage the 16 Italian ships under Argentinean flag and registry.
1961: The FME merged with the Flota Argentina de Navegación de Ultramar (FANU) to form Empresa Lineas Maritimas Argentinas (ELMA)
In the following years, a modern competitive fleet was built with a number of ships specially constructed in British, Italian and Swedish shipyards. Throughout that period, Argentine merchant lines supported trade, according to a model of independent national development.
However from 1992 to 1997, the growth of this state owned company came to a halt, and it gradually waned. In line with neo-liberal policies aimed at reducing the State involvement, ships were sold and the company eventually liquidated. Today, Argentine-flag cargo ships are once again being used for domestic traffic.
One of the Italian vessels taken over by the FME was the PRINCIPESSA MARIA.
Built as a cargo vessel by Cantiere Navali Franco Tosi SA, Taranto, Italy for Lloyd Sabaudo Soc. Anon di Nav., at Turin, Italy.
29 July 1923: Launched under the name PRINCIPESSA MARIA. There was also a sister ship PRINCIPESSA GIOVANA.
Tonnage 8,918 gross, 7,382 dwt., dim. 460 ft 8 in. x 59 ft. 3 in. x 25 ft. (draught).
Powered by two double reduction geared steam turbines. Horsepower unknown. Speed 13 knots.
There was some poor accommodation in the 'tween deck to carry around 400 government-aided emigrants.
Reefer capacity 62.000 cubic feet.
Both of these vessels were built for the Italy - Australia service.
November 1923: PRINCIPESSA MARIA made her maiden voyage from Genoa to Sydney via Suez, Fremantle and Melbourne.
In the winter of 1926, she was refitted in the Bacini & Scali Napoletano yard at Baia, becoming a passenger-cargo vessel with a capacity of 450 cabin passengers all in third-class accommodation.
Thereafter used in the service between Italy and South America.
1932: Transferred to the Italia, Societá Anonima di Navigazoione (Italia Line)
During the Ethiopia Campaign she was used as troopship.
1936: During the Civil War in Spain, she made a special voyage from Spain with Italian citizens, who wanted to leave the country.
After Italia declared the war in June 1940, the PRINCIPESSA MARIA was interned in Buenos Aires.
25th August 1941: Taken over by the Argentinean Government, and managed by Flota Mercante del Estado (FME)
The passenger accommodation is then stated to be 258 first and 146 third class.
Renamed the RIO DE LA PLATA.
1942: Sailed on her first voyage from Argentina to New Orleans.
Thereafter used in service from Argentina via the Pacific to Los Angeles.
On a homeward bound voyage the engine room caught fire in Acapulco. On 18th August 1944, she was towed out of the port and sank about a mile offshore, without any loss of life.
Sources:
Correo Argentino information leaflet. Info received from Mr. Mario F. Rosner and Mr. Alex Borgogno.
The World’s Merchant Fleets, 1939 by Roger Jordan, 1999. ISBN 186176023X
North Star to Southern Cross by John M. Maber