At the time of its construction the FRANCE was claimed to be the longest ship in the world.
Initially built as an Atlantic liner, like many other such ships it was downgraded to cruising.
It made only one visit to Hong Kong where I photographed it in February 1974.
It later became the NORWAY. But due to a boiler explosion that killed several crew, it was eventually scrapped, but only as late as 2008.
Date picture taken
15 Feb 1974
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The longest ocean liner ever…
The longest ocean liner ever docked at the Ocean Terminal.
S.S. France first visit to Hong Kong in 1972
The beautiful liner S.S. France actually visited Hong Kong twice, in 1972 and 1974 during her two round the world tours. I saw her in 1972 alongside the Ocean Terminal. From a distance she looked so graceful but up close her hull looked in need of a coat of paint. I had a feeling at the time that her then owners would not operate her for much longer. As has been mentioned she had a new lease of life as the S.S. Norway, but with the two new decks added to her superstructure her elegant lines were lost.