Type C2 ship

Type C2 ships were "Liberty fleet" standard freighters designed by the United States Maritime Commission in 1937–38.cite web |title=United States Maritime Commission C2 Type Ships |url=http://www.usmm.org/c2ships.html |format=html |accessdate=2008-08-06 |work=American Merchant Marine at War |publisher=www.USMM.org ]

In 1937, MARCOM distributed tentative designs for criticism by shipbuilders, ship owners and naval architects. The final designs incorporated many changes suggested by these constituencies. The ships were to be reasonably fast but economical cargo ships which, with some government subsidies to operators, could compete with vessels of other nations. Building costs were to be minimized by standardization of design and equipment, and the ships were to have sufficient speed and stability that they could be used as naval auxiliaries in time of national emergency.

The basic specifications called for a five-hold steel cargo ship with raked stem and cruiser stern, complete shelter and second decks, and a third deck in Nos. 1-4 holds. Dimensions of the hatches were convert|20|ft|m|0|abbr=on x convert|30|ft|m|0|abbr=on, except for No. 2, which was convert|20|ft|m|0|abbr=on x convert|50|ft|m|0|abbr=on, allowing such cargo as locomotives, naval guns, long bars, etc. Ventilation to the holds was provided by hollow kingposts, which also served as cargo masts. Cargo handling gear consisted of fourteen 5-ton cargo booms, plus two 30-ton booms at Nos 3 and 4 hatches.

Living accommodations were much improved over previous designs, with crew accommodations amidships, officers quarters on the boat deck, and the captain's quarters on the bridge deck, along with the wheelhouse, chartroom, gyro and radio room. Hot and cold running water was provided throughout.

externalimage|align=right|
http://drawings.us-maritime-commission.de/drawings_c3.htm Outboard Profile]

Emergency Shipbuilding Program
Type C1 ship
Type C2 ship
Type C3 ship
Type C4 ship
Liberty ship
Victory ship

Many of the ships such as the SS Donald McKay were converted by the U.S. Navy for service during World War II. The commercial versions were operated by the government during the war. Beginning in late 1945, the commercial ships were sold to merchant shipping lines, with service until the early 1970s.

List of Type C2 ships

References and Notes

*From America to United States: The History of the long-range Merchant Shipbuilding Programme of the United States Maritime Commission, by L.A. Sawyer and W.H. Mitchell. London, 1981, World Ship Society
*Ships for Victory: A History of Shipbuilding under the U.S. Maritime Commission in World War II, by Frederic C. Lane ISBN 0-8018-6752-5