TSS CHUSAN
‘the happy ship’
Chusan was one of the first of a new generation of liner for P&O after the devastation of the Second World War. Along with running-mates Himalaya, Arcadia and Iberia, Chusan was an elaboration on her ‘Strath’ forebears and featured some impressive technological innovations including stabilisers. The ship served the Line well until the early 1970s, operating the Far East Tilbury-Yokohama route. She is today remembered as “The Happy Ship” and many remember halcyon days at sea aboard her.
tSS Chusan
Length: 673’
Beam: 85’2”
Draught: 29’
Tonnage: 24,215 GRT
Max Speed: 22 kn
This drawing is dedicated to the memory of Mr Ken Beard, 4th Sy. Engineer TSS Chusan, 1957-1959. You can read Ken’s fascinating stories of days at sea here;
Chusan’s ‘cruiser’ stern with distinctive ‘gallery’ design, characterised by layers of promenade decks. Note the colourful striped deck chairs and canvas screen erected at the promenade, bottom right; this was to protect the Tourist Class children’s playroom from direct sunlight.
Chusan’s single tall funnel had a simple design when she was first launched, but to prevent soot falling on the after decks a ‘Thornycraft’ funnel top was fitted.
Another technological ace up Chusan’s sleeve was the pair of Denny Brown stabilisers fitted, seen at right. She was the first large passenger ship to carry these. At left can be seen two large discharge outlets.
Chusan’s Bridge ‘island’ and forward cargo-handling equipment. Small cubby-like shelters were erected by the winches to protect operators from the tropical sun.
The Ship’s elegantly curved bow and the base of her forward mast. A green Boot-Topping was added to P&O’s fleet after the merger with Orient line in 1966.
