MS “Venus”, identified by her call sign LDSV – LJRK, was a motor ship, constructed in 1931 to function both as a passenger and cargo ship. Det Bergenske Dampskibsselskab (BDS), known for building ships for England, was the mastermind behind its construction. The ship primarily served the route between Bergen and Newcastle.
Inspiration Behind the Name
The tradition of Det Bergenske Dampskibsselskab was to name their ships after celestial objects and phenomena. Keeping to the tradition, the MS “Venus” was named after the planet Venus. This wasn’t the first Venus in the BDS fleet, a predecessor by the name DS “Venus” existed in 1890.
King Haakon VII Boards “Venus” – 30th April, 1931
The splendid ship “Venus” was developed at the Helsingør Iron Ships & Machinery in Helsingør, Denmark. Its price tag stood at 5.2 million kroner upon delivery in April 1931, making “Venus” the most expensive vessel the BDS ever owned at that time.
The Inaugural Journey
On April 29, the initial official trial voyage took place in Helsingør among 150 invited guests. The attendees comprised the Norwegian consul in Helsingør, several directors, and affluent merchants. The following day, “Venus” set sail to Oslo for viewing by the king and representatives of the government and Storting on Oslofjorden. Speeches were made by Director Kristofer Lehmkuhl, the king, Parliament President Hambro, and Minister Oftedal. The king congratulated the company on the new ship and toasted for the homeland.
Continued Voyages and Destinations
Believing such a beautiful ship like “Venus” should serve the entire country, another journey on Oslofjorden was undertaken on May 2 with 200 invited guests. Guests included important businessmen, travel and hotel people from both Norway and Sweden.[3] Another hundred passengers also joined MS “Venus” from Oslo to Bergen, including Prime Minister Mowinckel along with various representatives from the commerce department and shipping and business folks.
The Arrival and Celebrations
Even the shipyard’s director, Christensen, from Helsingør came onboard, carrying with him a gift, a model of a frigate from 1672 for the Bergen Maritime Museum. Thousands of spectators gathered at Skoltegrunnskaien to greet the new ship upon its arrival on May 3. A music band onboard DS “Hardangerfjord” played the Bergen song, while the DS “Rosendal” fired a salute.
Initial Voyage and Royal Interest
On May 5, 1931, a fjord tour was organized outside of Bergen, complete with onboard lunch, for 300 specially invited guests. Intriguingly, the Danish King Christian invited himself. He wanted to see this ship, seen as a triumph for the Danish shipyard. King Christian observed that the vessel’s only flaw was its non-affiliation to a Danish shipping company.
Maiden Voyage
The maiden voyage of the “Venus” happened on May 6, 1931, from Bergen to Newcastle. Among the passengers was the chief engineer from DS “Britannia”, the first ship to operate a service between Bergen and Newcastle. On this journey, we had 70 passengers, separated into 45 first class and 35 second class attendees. The first crossing took 20 hours, delayed by a half hour due to fog. Several high-flyers, including Director Lehmkuhl and other high-ranking BDS individuals were present.
Royal Passengers and Eventful Trips
Queen Maud traveled aboard the “Venus” after visiting the British royal couple in Windsor on May 31. King Christian himself greeted the Queen on the dock. Post a tea at Gamlehaugen, the Queen proceeded to Oslo by night train. She made numerous trips to England aboard the “Venus” throughout the 1930s. Other distinguished guests like the Thai Royal family also sailed on this ship in 1936.
On September 6, 1931, as “Venus” docked in Bergen, an overly slackened mooring wire tangled around one of the propellers, causing damage. A diver untangled the wire, allowing the ship to continue to Newcastle the ensuing day. However, the propeller casing was damaged, prompting the ship to cross with only one propeller. The vessel was docked in Newcastle for repairs.
Charter Trips and Adding Value
In late April 1934, the ship was chartered by Handelsforening for a trip to Shetland. This contributed to an exceptional tourist season in 1934, carrying many British tourists and total of 200 cars throughout the summer.
Onboard Incidents
On February 18, 1935, an onboard accident on the “Venus” nearly resulted in the loss of a human life. While loading dry fish bales, one bundle toppled, hitting an English fishing inspector standing on the edge of the hatch. Thankfully, his unconsciousness was temporary, and after treatment he was sent home. An investigation was initiated by the police to understand the circumstances leading to the incident.
Refurbishments
In February 1936, the ship was docked for refurbishment, adding 22 new first-class cabins.
History
Act One: The Distress Call
Imagine it. January 18, 1937, a fierce orkan storm swept across the North Sea. The DS «Trym» from Trondheim, after suffering a broken rudder line, found itself adrift. An urgent SOS from the «Trym» reached the MS «Venus» and the Ostasiatiske Compani’s ship, the MS «Panama». Promptly altering course, they cut through the storm towards the endangered ship. However, the rescue proved challenging. It took the MS «Venus» six hours and the MS «Panama» three storm-filled hours to arrive.
Act Two: Amidst Chaos, a Ray of Hope
The situation worsened come evening. The «Trym» was sinking sporadically. The crew kept firing flares into the stormy night, lighting a path for their rescuers. Pushing against the brutal storm, the MS «Venus» tried to find them. The weather forecast brought a glimmer of hope – a promise of calmer winds.
Act Three: A Desperate Race Against Time
As time ticked away, desperation mounted. With the biting cold and sea’s unceasing assaults, the «Trym’s» crew teetered on the brink. Unfazed, MS “Venus” kept battling the storm, reassuring “Trym” of their imminent arrival.
Act Four: The Miraculous Rescue
Finally, the respite they had been hoping for arrived. The wind relented enough for MS «Venus» to launch a lifeboat. In a display of heroism, the boat reached the “Trym”. The last crew members were rescued from the sinking «Trym» and brought on board the «Venus» safe and sound.
Epilogue: The Aftermath
The entire rescue lasted an exhausting four hours. Once everyone was aboard the MS «Venus», they attempted to find the now-deserted «Trym». But it was in vain. The resilient «Trym» had finally met its end, sinking to the depths of the North Sea.
Arrival at Newcastle
MS Venus carried on to Newcastle, after embarking everyone from MS Trym. Some damages were sustained on the MS Venus, primarily within the second class sections, where the doors were knocked in. All passengers and rescued crew from MS Trym were accommodated in the first class. Upon reaching Newcastle, the crew was greeted by thousands of people. City factory sirens wailed in honor of the rescue team.
Media Recognition
Both sides of the North Sea showered the rescue team with extensive media coverage. The British press praised it as the most heroic act of the century and painted Captain Dreyer as a calm and masterful Viking.[Additionally, the rescue team received great acclaim, especially lightsailor Oppsal and the MS Trym’s telegraphist. The latter, Gade Sørensen, spent 48 straight hours at the telegraph sending and receiving messages.
Celebrating and Praising
As stated by Stavanger Aftenblad,
The Journey Towards War
On April 3rd, 1938, a spring storm in the North Sea resulted in the MS “Venus” suffering damage to its skansekledninga caused by a few massive waves crashing over the ship.
In October 1938, the harbor directorate processed a complaint from the Fitjar kommune about the MS “Venus” and the new ship MS “Vega” traveling at excessive speeds along the Langenuen, resulting in damage to small boats along the path.
The winter of 1938/1939 saw the MS “Venus” participating in a radio pilot project along the coastal routes of Newcastleruta. The results were promising, but challenges arose due to the inability to distinguish separate signals as they emitted the same tone.[ In spring 1939, the ship was classified at Burmeister & Wain in Copenhagen for two months.
The Wartime Journey of MS “Venus”
Picture the MS “Venus”, docking in Bergen on the 6th of September, amidst the escalating tensions of the Second World War. Miraculously, the ship evaded destruction despite enduring the threatening presence of bombers encircling it multiple times during its voyage.
That fall, instead of marking another journey to England, the MS “Venus” nestled into temporary quarters alongside its sister ship, MS “Vega”, in the sheltered area of Damsgårdssundet. Contrary to dispatching these precious vessels, the authorities opted to utilize less significant ships for the continuing England trips. A twist in the story emerged on November 10th, 1939, during a storm, when the anchors securing the ships failed, forcing a necessary relocation to Kirkebukten where they could use landfasts.
Just before Norway plunged into the devastating war, these two vessels, together with the MUGG ‘Stellene Polaris’, found themselves set off a new course, relocating to Stanghelle in Osterfjorden.
The Tide Takes a Turn for MS “Venus”
When the clock struck April 9, the Kriegsmarine, the German Navy, requisitioned the MS “Venus”. The ship, now under the German flag, was dragged from the tranquility of Osterfjorden into the turbulent waters of the Baltic Sea. Though the ship was briefly returned to BDS on October 16th, 1940, it found itself commandeered once again on May 8th, 1941.
Its next destination surfaced as Neptunwerft in Rostock. One can only imagine the transformation it underwent there, as its original interior suffered drastic removal. With a changed purpose, the once passenger ship now served as target practice for the 26th submarine flotilla in Pillau.
A direct hit from allied aircraft on March 20th, 1945, at Walterhofer Hafen near Hamburg, finally led to the ship’s demise. It was bombed, succumbing to a watery grave in shallow waters. However, defiant till the end, parts of the ship refused to be completely subdued, remaining visible above the waterline.
Post-War Restoration
In June 1945, an evaluation concluded it feasible to revive the MS “Venus” as it laid in shallow waters. A report on September 12 confirmed the successful salvage of MS “Venus”, though the damages’ repair costs were predicted to be substantial.
Repair Progress
It was then towed to Helsingør for repairs, reaching on September 29. Further work ensued in Aarhus from August 31, 1946. There were hopes to have the ship ready by the summer of 1947, but it became clear that it wouldn’t be ready until late fall of 1947. On April 19, 1947, the ship returned to Helsingør.
Between July 23 to August 9, 1947, the ship stayed at Burmeister & Wain in Copenhagen. More work was done in Helsingør from August 9 to November 27, 1947. The ship then moved to Landskrona, Sweden, where it stayed under repair until December 14. Before it’s first trial on March 21, 1948, the ship once again returned to Helsingør to finish the restorations.
Interior Updates
A cargo hold was removed, passenger accommodations enlarged, and a garage included. Post-restoration, the ship could accommodate 143 first-class passengers, 257 second-class, along with 60 in an economical class designed for groups of young travelers. Hence, the total passenger capacity increased to 460, compared to the pre-war capacity of 278. The bow design was modernized, and the deck houses and bridge were streamlined. The cost of these renovations rounded up to approximately 16 million Norwegian kroner.
Re-Launch
The ship, carrying over 200 invited guests including Prince Axel of Denmark and his wife, Princess Margretha of Sweden, sailed from Copenhagen on May 3, 1948. Arriving in Oslo on May 4, guests aboard unanimously agreed the ship deserved to be called the “Queen of the North Sea”.
The next day, “Venus” sailed to Bergen after making stops in Stavanger and Haugesund. An impressive crowd of six thousand people awaited at the dock, with the Division band playing “I took my tuned”. Dignitaries for this voyage from Oslo included Parliament President Fredrik Monsen and Prime Minister Einar Gerhardsen among others.
Post-Restoration Activity
On May 8, MS “Venus” sailed its inaugural voyage to London, making a stop at Newcastle, marking the restart of its England service. Every winter season, from December to April, from 1948 to the early 1960s, MS “Venus” operated ten-day trips from Southampton, UK to Madeira and Tenerife. The first of these voyages were in the winter of 1948/1949.
During summer, MS “Venus” regularly sailed to Newcastle, receiving a reset and refurbishment between each season.
“Venus” in Odda around 1950
On September 29, 1950, a deck boy aboard MS “Venus” suffered a broken leg from a 500 kg box during unloading work. In November 1950, the ship undertook two voyages from Liverpool to the Mediterranean.
Rescue Mission in 1951
The MS “Venus” became involved in a rescue mission off the northern coast of Spain on January 28, 1951. The Panama-registered ship, MS “Janko”, with Norwegian officers and Italian crew, split in two during a storm and sent out a distress signal. Despite their best efforts, the “Venus” crew was unsuccessful in rescuing all of the “Janko” crew members.
Voyages and Operations
In the fall of 1952 and 1953, the MS “Venus” embarked on several southern voyages from Plymouth before resuming its typical winter operation from Southampton. The same occurred in the fall of 1954, with Plymouth serving as the standard departure port for southern winter voyages between 1955 and 1957 before returning to Southampton.
Incident in Plymouth Bay
On March 23, 1955, MS “Venus” was anchored in Plymouth Bay when a storm brewed. The ship drifted towards the Mountbatten reefs outside Plymouth and ran aground, leading to minor leakage. With substantial damages and challenging recovery, the remaining winter voyages were cancelled. On March 26th, the salvage team successfully freed the “Venus” after four attempts. Following the incident, the “Venus” was sent to Amsterdam for repairs in April and was ready to serve the tourist season by May 31.
Illegal Activity in 1957
In February 1957, a steward aboard the MS “Venus” was sentenced to six months in prison for attempting to smuggle 20,000 cigarettes into the port while the ship was anchored in Southampton.
The Historic Journey of MS Venus
The MS Venus had her first idling winter in Bergen in the 1960-1961 season when she ceased her voyage to the Canary Islands. The normal route to Newcastle resumed in April 1961. In December 1961, the ship sailed to Malmö to convey Swedish tourists on a Christmas cruise to Spain, Morocco, Madeira, and the Canary Islands. After the cruise, the MS Venus idled for the rest of winter 1962 in Bergen.
Voyages and Minor Accidents
Fall 1962 saw a journey from Southampton to Madeira and the Canary Islands. Around the same time, it resumed its service to Newcastle before returning to the idle state in December 1962. The ship took two trips from Southampton to the Canary Islands during the fall and Christmas season of 1963. The ship ran on its regular route to Newcastle in January 1964, but it was put in the idle state when spring arrived.
On May 23, 1964, the MS Venus ran aground on a sandbank at the mouth of the Tyne River in dense fog. The ship was carrying 150 passengers at the time. It was retracted from the sandbank at high tide and luckily incurred no damage, eliminating the need for repairs.
Continued Services and Change of Routes
MS Venus ran cruises to the Canary Islands from Southampton during the Christmas and New Year holidays of 1964 and 1965. In March and April 1965, she undertook two voyages to the Mediterranean and the Greek Islands. From May to September 1965, MS Venus ran a direct route from Stavanger to Newcastle, but still made some stops in Bergen. In March 1966, it sailed to Lübeck with a hundred passengers to witness the new ship of BDS, MS “Jupiter”, which was owned together with Fred Olsen.
The Exciting Journey of MS Venus
The MS Venus, previously a coveted ship of BDS, found itself on sale as its sailing exemption came to an end in the vibrant fall of 1968. While the ship was scheduled to enjoy four anxiety-filled voyages from Southampton to the Canary Islands, it ran into the unforeseen hurdle of unimpressive ticket sales.
Despite the disappointment of the cancelled plans, the MS Venus had a triumphant journey to the Canary Islands in September. This adventurous journey reached its completion with the vessel’s return to Southampton on October 4.
It didn’t take long for the ship to set for Bergen, arriving on October 5. Subsequently, the MS Venus sailed in anticipation to enter its inevitable mothball state.
“After a curious few days, the surprising news broke out: Shipbreaking Industries Ltd. had purchased the historic ship with plans to break it up.
This marked the beginning of a meticulous process to remove and salvage precious items and exceptional works of art from the ship in Bergen. Emblazoned in our minds remains the storied last journey of the MS Venus, which left Bergen with a sense of purpose and determination on October 17, 1968, with a clear destination: Glasgow.
Specifications of The Ship
The vessel, at the time of its delivery, had a tonnage of 5407 brt (gross register tonnage), 2867 nrt (net register tonnage). Its carrying capacity was 1760 dwt (deadweight tonnage). The cargo hold had a volume of 2,716 m³, out of which 1,722 m³ was refrigerated space.
The powerplant consisted of two 10-cylinder 4-stroke diesel engines, manufactured by Burmeister & Wain in Copenhagen. They delivered a power output of 9,000 bHp (brake horsepower) and 1,117 nominal horsepower, moving the ship at a top speed of 19.5 knots.
Passenger Accommodation
Originally, the ship could accommodate 201 passengers in first-class cabins and 76 in third-class cabins. In 1936, the first-class section underwent remodelling.
Subsequent Modifications
Post the refurbishment and repairs between 1945-1947, the tonnage increased to 6,269 brt, 3,521 nrt with a carrying capacity of 2,200 dwt. Then in 1953, the ship was again remodelled, including the addition of stabilisers.
For decades, travel-keen Bergensers took the M/S “Venus” to Newcastle.
This article is based on a article by Bjørn Arvid Bagge published in bt.no 13.10.2023
The M/S “Venus” sails to Skoltegrunnskaien on a splendid summer day in 1956. It’s notable black smokestack with three white rings was a sure sign that the ship belonged to BDS. Irrefutably, the M/S “Venus” navigating to Skoltegrunnskaien amidst the radiant ambiance of the summer day in 1956 resonates an intriguing sight.
The characteristic black smokestack with three white rings stood as the ship’s firm affiliation to BDS.
Photo by Ragnar Waage. The Source comes from a picture collection. The special collections at the University Library in Bergen. See below:
| Photographer | Source | Collection |
|---|---|---|
| Ragnar Waage | Picture Collection | Special Collections, University Library Bergen |
Brief on M/S “Venus” Journey
With its distinctive black smokestack marked by three white rings, M/S “Venus” is indeed a sight to behold. Its journey to Skoltegrunnskaien in the radiant summer of 1956 is an unforgettable memory. Significantly, it’s status as a BDS vessel is resolute.
Imagine this. The M/S “Venus” is sailing to Skoltegrunnskaien on a gorgeous summer day in 1956. Its distinct black chimney, adorned with three white circles, hints clearly that this ship hailed from BDS. Can you see it?
By the way, this stellar view of M/S “Venus” was captured by Ragnar Waage. The source of this rare gem? It’s from a specialized collection at the University Library in Bergen. Just a fun fact for you.
Now, “Englandsbåten” might ring a bell if you’re from Bergen. It’s a term most locals have a deep connection with. And this story? It’s about one of the vessels on the England route. That’s right, we’re talking about our beloved M/S “Venus”, which sailed the seas between 1931 and 1968.
“Venus” was often used for meetings and conferences. At that time, the bar was a popular place to hang out. Here we see representatives from the Norwegian Shipowners’ Association enjoying themselves at the bar late one evening in 1950. “Venus” was often used for meetings and conferences. At that time, the bar was a popular place to hang out. Again, we see representatives from the Norwegian Shipowners’ Association enjoying themselves at the bar late one evening in 1950. PHOTO: ATELIER KK. SOURCE: PICTURE COLLECTION. UBB
Let’s delve into the details:
- Venus: It was a common location for meetings and conferences.
- The bar: This became a popular spot for people to relax and socialize.
- Representatives from the Norwegian Shipowners’ Association: They are seen enjoying themselves in the late hours at the bar in 1950.
- Photo by Atelier KK: These memories are wonderfully captured by Atelier KK.
- Source: These pictures originate from the Picture Collection, UBB.
Witness the historical significance of Venus through the lens of Atelier KK’s photography, immortalizing moments from the Norwegian Shipowners’ Association yearly gathering.
These features make “Venus” a significant meeting and conference place:
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| The venue | Venus |
| Atmosphere | Relaxed with an active bar |
| Visitors | Notable attendees were the representatives from the Norwegian Shipowners’ Association |
A Legacy That Lives On
Venus was more than a location, it was a melting pot of interaction and shared experiences. Today, we remember it through the classic images taken by Atelier KK, safely stored in the Picture Collection of UBB. These photographs provide an authentic glimpse into Norway’s maritime history, and the significant role Venus played in it.
The Making of “The England Boat”
Imagine this, it’s the year 1890. Among numerous shipping companies, Det Bergens Dampskibsselskab (DBS) pioneers a passenger service from Vestlandet to England. With time, BDS’s route from Bergen to Haugesund to Stavanger to Newcastle itself becomes synonymous with “The England Boat” as the locals fondly call it.
From the get-go, BDS busily ferries tourists, emigrants, and even mail across the North Sea. Guess what, it even sailed throughout most of World War I. Not bad, right?
Now, let’s step back a bit. The first England boat christened as “Venus” was a steamship. Cool, isn’t it? But the name wasn’t retired with her. Instead, BDS salvaged it for a motor ship they began constructing in 1930 at the Danish Helsingør Jernskibs & Maskinbyggeri.
From the post office onboard the “Venus” in 1931. The mail was indeed a prime reason for the establishment of the England route at the beginning of the 1890s, and the “Venus” was also contractually booked for mail transport for much of its lifespan. From the post office onboard the “Venus” in 1931. The mail was indeed a prime reason for the establishment of the England route at the beginning of the 1890s, and the “Venus” was also under contract for mail transport for much of its lifespan. PHOTO: ATELIER KK. SOURCE: THE PICTURE COLLECTION. SPECIAL COLLECTIONS AT THE UNIVERSITY LIBRARY OF BERGEN.
The Role of ‘Venus’ in 1931
Let’s go back in time, to 1931. Imagine being on board the “Venus”.
“Venus” hosted a post office. Yes, you read it right! A post office was there, on a ship.
The post office was crucial. It played a significant role in forming the England route in the early 1890s.
Wait, there’s more! “Venus” wasn’t only about traveling. It had a mandate. A mandate for mail transport for a considerable length of its service life.
Meet The Fastest Passenger Ship: Venus
Welcome to the amazing world of the “Venus”. Completed in 1931, this ship immediately took the title as the most expensive vessel ever crafted by BDS. The bill came in at a whopping 5.2 million! Not to mention, the ship stretches a lengthy 121 meters and has space for an impressive 277 passengers.
We can’t analyze the Venus without highlighting its unrivaled speed. Thanks to its diesel-powered engines, it cruises at a top speed of at least 19.5 knots. It’s this outstanding speed that likely crowned it as the world’s fastest passenger ship. So, strap in and enjoy the ride!
The beautiful cover for the route booklet of “Venus”.
The beautiful cover for the route booklet of “Venus”. PHOTO: SOURCE: PRIVATE COLLECTION
“Venus” was enthusiastically received when it first arrived in Oslo on April 30, 1931. Celebratory speeches were delivered by King Haakon, Parliament President Joachim Hambro, and Minister Sven Oftedal.
You might be intrigued to know that even the Danish King Christian, who graced the event, had something to say about “Venus”. He playfully remarked, “Venus” has just one fault – it isn’t Danish!”
Among the many celebrities who traveled with “Venus” during the interwar period was Sonja Henie. Here she was photographed on board in 1931. Among the many celebrities who traveled with “Venus” during the interwar period was Sonja Henie. She was photographed on board in 1931. Photo: Atelier KK. Source: Image Collection. The special collections at the University Library in Bergen.
“Venus” arrived at Skoltegrunnskaien on May 3, 1931, with, among others, Prime Minister Mowinckel on board. Thousands of Bergen residents showed up to greet the ship. On May 6, “Venus” began its regular route across the North Sea. The journey took 20 hours.
Royal Guests Aboard
Did you know that many celebrities chose to come aboard regularly, like Queen Maud? The Queen traveled so frequently that a loyal housemaid, Hjørdis Lien, permanently attended her on board. However, other royals were more occasional visitors.
Interestingly, Crown Prince Olav and Crown Princess Märta also visited the ship multiple times. The Crown Princess even once participated in a small painting project on board. What’s more, in 1936, the Thai royal family sailed aboard the ship “Venus”.
On May 4th, 1948, King Haakon, Crown Prince Olav and Crown Princess Märta stepped onto the ‘Venus’. They were there to celebrate the newly renovated ship’s return to the waters. King Haakon highlighted in his onboard speech, the joy of seeing ‘Venus’ in her radiant, new form, fondly calling her the ‘Queen of the North Sea’. Unfortunately, the photographer’s identity remains unknown. Image Source: Billedsamlingen.
Can you imagine your excitement when your ship docked in Newcastle? Waiting for you there was no ordinary train – it was the esteemed “The Norseman” express. This magnificent train transported you straight from the lively Tyne Commission Quay to the heart of the bustling King’s Cross.
Here’s a snapshot of “Venus” at the dock in Haugesund (Garpaskjærkaien). English tourist cars started becoming a common sight on the roads of Vestland. In 1934, over 200 English cars were transported by this ship. Unfortunately, the photographer’s identity remains unknown. Image Source: Billedsamlingen.
The War and “Resurrection” of Venus
Imagine this – the year is 1940. Norway falls under German occupation. During this turmoil, “Venus,” experiences a transformative phase herself. The German Navy requisitioned her. The original interior was removed. She then served as the mother ship for the 26th submarine flotilla in Pillau. Nevertheless, on March 20, 1945, allied airplanes bombed her, prompting her to sink in shallow waters just off Hamburg.
Here’s where the real change happens. After the war, the sunken ship was not left abandoned. Rather, she was lifted from her watery grave and sent for repairs. Can you guess the cost? It was over 19 million – far more than the original construction price. However, these modifications were not merely restorative. The ship also underwent a facelift. The bow received a modern touch, and the deckhouse and bridge were streamlined. Remarkably, these refurbishments allowed for an increase in passenger capacity to 460.
Let’s rewind to May 1948, when the salon of “Venus” had just been remodeled. Back then, no efforts or resources were spared. Picture this setting! Unfortunately, the photographer’s identity remains unknown. Image Source: Billedsamlingen.
Renovation
On May 4th, 1948, the renovated “Venus” made a grand return to Oslo. The celebrations even enthralled royalty. It wasn’t just any ordinary day, but the start of a remarkable journey for the ship”—”Venus.” With notable dignitaries like Fredrik Monsen, the President of the Storting, and Prime Minister Einar Gerhardsen onboard, “Venus” sailed to Bergen on the following day.
As the resurrected England’s ship reached Bergen, it was greeted by thousands of residents. Like a long-lost heroine, “Venus” returned to the cheers of the joyous crowd, while the Division’s music team played “Nystemten” heartily in her honor.
Imagine stepping into a freshly renovated salon aboard the “Venus” in May 1948. No expense was spared on board. It was a scene of grandeur and top-tier style. PHOTO CREDIT: UNKNOWN. SOURCE. Image Source: Billedsamlingen.
From Queen of the Sea to Recycled Relic
Imagine this: you’re in 1948 and “Venus”, a majestic vessel, sails as usual to England during the summer season. In December of the same year, with “Venus” at the helm, BDS initiated a popular cruising route between Southampton, Madeira, and the Canary Islands. On board for the inaugural voyage was none other than Winston Churchill himself!
Picture a routine: every summer in England, followed by a wintertime cruise to the South – this became the consistent rhythm for “Venus” in the years that came after.
By 1965, “Venus” began exhibiting signs of age and grace. Consequently, her appearances on the traditional England route started to dwindle. Instead, “Venus” began to call at ports like Rotterdam, Canary Islands and Haifa in Israel.
Things could be lively on “Venus”. Music and dance were also common on board in the 1950s. Here is someone trying a musical pirouette during a voyage with the ship in 1950. Things could repeat, be lively on “Venus”. The fun was in the air, music and dance being a commonplace on board during the 1950s. Do you see? It is someone again trying a musical pirouette during the same travel back in 1950. PHOTO: UNKNOWN. SOURCE: IMAGE COLLECTION. SPECIAL COLLECTIONS AT THE UNIVERSITY LIBRARY IN BERGEN
New fire regulations
In the fall of 1968, “Venus” was unable to meet the new fire regulations. Consequently, BDS, the owner of the ship, couldn’t finance its upgrade and decided to put it up for sale.
In turn, “Venus” was purchased by a Scottish company named Shipbreaking Industries Ltd. Thus, on October 17th, 1968, “Venus” set sail from Bergen for the last time, headed for dismantling in Faslane, Scotland.
You might remember the “Venus” as the vessel that led a spectacular rescue mission back in January 1934. The ship rescued 19 individuals aboard the Trondheim cargo vessel, Trym. This heroic act became a popular topic on radio broadcasts and in newspapers.
As “Venus” returned to the port of Bergen, a momentous scene unfolded. A crowd of 25,000 to 30,000 people gathered, applauding and honoring the crew for their brave deed.
BT once penned these evocative words: “…Venus rounded Kvarven for the last time and vanished from the city’s sight, much like hundreds of proud ships that had disappeared before her.”
Check This Out:
There are some remarkable resources that can add value to your understanding about Venus. Start with ‘Bergenske. Byen og selskapet’ by Bakka, Dag, jr., published by Seagull Forlag in 1993. An interesting read is ‘Full storm – A saga about men and ships’ by Nordanger, T., published by the same in 1973. This is complemented by the accounts of Det Bergenske Dampskibsselskab.
Dive into the heroism of Bjarne Ylvisaker via ‘Minneplakett om redningsdåd – lettmatros’, a piece by H. Kleppa, documented in Fylkesarkivet for Sogn og Fjordane. Kleppa, H. also penned ‘Om Englandsruta Bergen-Newcastle’, a deep dive into a historical route. P.E. Heggland and G. Kobbeltveit offer another perspective in ‘Fra BDS til Nor-Cargo: the history of the transport department of Det Bergenske Dampskibsselskab’.
W. Keilau immerses you in ‘Norges største linjerederi’, published in Oslo,1951. Additionally, you can get acquainted with M/s Venus from Sjøhistorie.
Last but not least, there is exciting info about the establishment of the England route (Trondheim) – Bergen – Newcastle in Lauritz Pettersen’s piece, printed by A.S. John Grieg boktrykkeri in 1954. You can also explore pictorial information via ‘Englandsruten’ and ‘M/S «Venus»’ on Wikimedia commons.
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