Historical information

Ordered in 1938 to replace the aging ships on the Dutch East Indies route, her keel was laid in 1939 at De Schelde shipyard in Vlissingen, Netherlands, for Rotterdamsche Lloyd (now Nedlloyd). Interrupted by World War II and two bombing raids, the ship was finally launched in July 1946, as Willem Ruys. The ship was named after the grandson of the founder of the Rotterdamsche Lloyd who was taken hostage and shot during the war.

Physical description

A framed oil painting of the Dutch vessel Willem Ruys which was later refitted to become the Lloyd Triestino 'Achille Lauro'.

Inscriptions & markings

Willen Ruys

Mounting & framing

Timber frame no glass

Keywords

References

  • MS Achille Lauro Outlines the history of the Achille Lauro which started life as the the dutch liner Willem Ruys.