Moore-McCormack

The Moore-McCormack Lines was a series of companies operating as shipping lines, operated by the Moore-McCormack Company, Incorporated later Moore-McCormack Lines, Incorporated and simply Mooremack, founded in 1913 in New York, USA. It ceased trading on its buy-out in 1982. The founders were Albert V. Moore (1880–1953) (Director/President) and Emmet J. McCormack (Director/Treasurer), with Mr Molloy (Director/Secretary).

From a small start with one ship, SS Montara, inaugurating a run from the USA to Brazil,^[1] the shipping line expanded to become a major US line operating around the world.

Moore-McCormack's original offices were at 29 Broadway (now still a general office building), but were moved in 1919 to 5 Broadway (now Berkshire Bank [1]).

History

1913–1919 (World War 1)

Moore-McCormack Lines' first run was with Montara, intended to be a shipment of dynamite^[1] from Wilmington, Delaware to Rio de Janeiro in, Brazil; but, with the load not ready, the ship took coal from Norfolk, Virginia to Aroostook County, Maine before returning for the dynamite. The ship was the first US line ship into Brazil in 26 years, causing a sensation.^[2] It had been built in 1881, and was retired after this trip.

The company then acquired various small steamers, including a Great Lakes vessel renamed Mooremack, which were operated profitably during World War I. Additionally, chartered ships including passenger ships added to the South American runs, that by 1919 included Recife in Pernambuco, Bahia, Santos, Montevideo and Buenos Aires.^[2]

Inter-war years

After the war, the US government offered surplus ships to US shipping companies. Mooremack received several ships, which expanded its fleet and opportunities for trade, including in 1920 and 1921 to the Levant and India. Runs were established, briefly, to Ireland, but ended by 1925. Ships also went into the Mediterranean, and to Black Sea ports including Russian, the first American-flag ships to Soviet ports.

In 1928, Vice President Robert C. Lee negotiated for Mooremack to become shipping agents for the Soviet Union using the American Scantic Line, having bought the line from the US Government. He later negotiated with the government of Poland for Moremack to be part of the establishment of Gdynia as Poland's sea port. This also led to the establishment of trade from Czechoslovakia, Hungary, and Austria through Gdynia in competition with German ports, which was a factor in the German invasion of Czechoslovakia and Poland at the outbreak of World War II.^[2]

1938 consolidation

On 8 September 1938, there was a consolidation of nine companies within the group to become Moore-McCormack Lines, Incorporated, capitalized at US$4.8m. The South American ships were named the Good Neighbor Fleet.^[2]

World War II

From 1936, the US Government had been backing the expansion of US flag shipping. Mooremack had begin a building program, but as the war began four of its C-3 class ships were requisitioned. These were "Rio" class ships of 17,600 tons displacement and designed to carry 150 passengers. Thus, Rio Hudson, Rio Parana, Rio de la Plata, and Rio de Janiero became Royal Navy aircraft carriers HMS Avenger, HMS Biter, HMS Charger, and HMS Dasher. Trade increased after the outbreak of the European war and Mooremack shifted some 20 million tons of cargo destined that that theatre, including whole trains for Russia.^[2]

The USA's entry into World War II brought various opportunities for Moremack, along with many of its ships being taken into US Navy service.

• SS Mooremacstar became USS Elizabeth C. Stanton (AP-69)

Post-war

The aftermath of the war had Mooremack owning 41 ships and in 1946 76 chartered ships from the Maritime Commission.

In 1949 Mooremack repaid a government loan subsidising the South American services, and repaid its mortgages, thus essentially owning its fleet.

Korean War

Mooremack was involved in the Korean War. Notably, its cargo ship ship Merideth Victory rescued some 14,000 refugees from Hungnam in December 1950^[3]

The end

The McLean Lines bought out Mooremack in December 1982, after the energy crisis of the late 1970s and early 1980s meant that shipping costs had become unsustainable for the company.

Operating companies

Mooremack's operating subsidiaries included American Republic Line, American Scantic Line, and Pacific Republics Line.^[2]

Notable people

Notable officials and people associated with Mooremack include:

• Albert V. Moore (1880–1953), Founding Director/President
  • (son) William T. Moore, President and later also Chairman of the Board
• Emmet J. McCormack, Founding Director/Treasurer
• Robert C. Lee, Vice President

References

1. ^ ^{a b} The Story of Moore-McCormack, from "The Mooremack News," June 1951, accessed 2009-12-24
2. ^ ^{a b c d e f} Mr Moore, Mr McCormack, and the Seven Seas, 15th Newcomen Society Lecture at the United States Coast Guard Academy, Adm Robert C. Lee, 1956-10-16, accessed 2009-12-24
3. ^ The Hungnam Evacuation, 10-24 December 1950, US Navy, accessed 2009-12-24

External links

• Moore-McCormack homage site
  • The Death of Albert V. Moore "The Mooremack News," Spring 1953
• Ocean Liner Museum - history of Moore-McCormack Lines
• Timetable Images - Moore-McCormack Lines
  • Timetable Images - American Scantic Lines