# Swedish American Line

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{{Short description|Defunct Swedish cargo and passenger shipping company (1915-84)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2019}}
{{Infobox company
| name = Swedish American Line
| logo = House Flag of the Swedish American Line.svg
| logo_caption = [House flag](/source/House_flag)
| image = SwedishAmericaLine.jpg
| successor = Rederi Swedish American Line AB
| foundation = 1915
| defunct = 1984 (former SAL)
| location = [Gothenburg](/source/Gothenburg), [Sweden](/source/Sweden)
| industry = Cargo and passenger [shipping](/source/shipping)
| key_people = [Dan Broström](/source/Dan_Brostr%C3%B6m)
| products = 
| num_employees = 
| parent = [Broström Group](/source/Brostr%C3%B6m_Group)
| subsid = [South Atlantic Lines](/source/South_Atlantic_Lines), [Home Lines](/source/Home_Lines), [Hoverlloyd](/source/Hoverlloyd), [Swedish Atlantic Line](/source/Swedish_Atlantic_Line), [Atlantic Container Line](/source/Atlantic_Container_Line)
}}

[[File:GarboandStiller.jpg|thumbnail|[Greta Garbo](/source/Greta_Garbo) and [Mauritz Stiller](/source/Mauritz_Stiller) on board the {{SS|Drottningholm||}} in 1925, en route to the United States.]]

'''Swedish American Line''' ({{langx|sv|Svenska Amerika Linien}}, abbr. SAL) was a Swedish passenger shipping line. It was founded in December 1914 under the name '''Rederiaktiebolaget Sverige-Nordamerika''' and began [ocean liner](/source/ocean_liner) service from [Gothenburg](/source/Gothenburg) to [New York](/source/New_York_City) in 1915.<ref name=Simplon>{{Cite web|url=http://www.simplonpc.co.uk/SwedishAmericaPCs.html |title=Swedish American Line |access-date=22 February 2008 |author=Ian Boyle |work=Simplon Postcards }}</ref><ref name=Timeline>{{Cite web |url=http://www.salship.se/timeline.asp |title=SAL Timeline |access-date=22 February 2008 |work=A tribute to the Swedish American Line |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080309012952/http://www.salship.se/timeline.asp |archive-date=9 March 2008  }}</ref> In 1925 the company changed its name to Svenska Amerika Linien / Swedish American Line.<ref name=Timeline />

The Swedish American Line was among the first companies to build liners with provisions for off-season [cruising](/source/Cruise_ship), as well as the world's first company to build a [diesel-engined](/source/diesel_engine) transatlantic liner.<ref name=Dawson1>Dawson (2005), pp. 80–82</ref> Increased operational costs and stronger competition from [passenger aircraft](/source/passenger_aircraft)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ellisisland.se/svenska/sal_sv_amerika_linien_years.asp|title=Svenska Amerika Linien (1915–1975)|publisher=Ellis Island|language=Swedish|access-date=1 November 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://sverigesradio.se/sida/artikel.aspx?programid=104&artikel=6322207|title=Svenska Amerika Linien fyller 100|publisher=Sveriges radio|language=Swedish|author=Mats Carlsson-Lénart|date=10 December 2015|access-date=1 November 2016}}</ref> forced the company to abandon passenger traffic in 1975,<ref name=Simplon /> but cargo operations continued until the 1980s.<ref name=FoF>{{Cite web |url=http://www.faktaomfartyg.se/svenska_amerika_linjen.htm |title=Svenska Amerika Linjen |access-date=22 February 2008 |author=Micke Asklander |work=Fakta om Fartyg |language=Swedish |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120730003334/http://www.faktaomfartyg.nu/svenska_amerika_linjen.htm |archive-date=30 July 2012 |url-status=dead  }}</ref>

==History==

===1915–1924===
Rederi[aktiebolag](/source/aktiebolag)et Sverige-Nordamerika (literally, "shipping [corporation](/source/corporation) [Sweden](/source/Sweden)-[North America](/source/North_America)") was born from the idea of [Wilhelm R. Lundgren](/source/Wilhelm_R._Lundgren), the owner of [Rederiaktiebolaget Transatlantic](/source/Rederiaktiebolaget_Transatlantic), with the purpose of offering [ocean liner](/source/ocean_liner) service from Sweden to North America. Both [Norway](/source/Norway) and [Denmark](/source/Denmark) already operated their own transatlantic liners, and the establishing of a Swedish company for the trade was a matter of national pride.<ref name=TGOLGripsholm1>{{Cite web |url=http://www.thegreatoceanliners.com/gripsholm1.html |title=Gripsholm (I)/Berlin |access-date=22 February 2008 |author=Daniel Othfors |work=The Great Ocean Liners |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111007012603/http://www.thegreatoceanliners.com/gripsholm1.html |archive-date=7 October 2011  }}</ref><ref name=KommandoPass>{{Cite web|url=http://www.kommandobryggan.se/Bryggan/Redsal.htm |title=Svenska Amerikalinjen: Passagerarfartygen |access-date=22 February 2008 |work=Kommandobryggan |language=Swedish }}</ref> Lundgren died in September 1914, but his successor [Gunnar Carlsson](/source/Gunnar_Carlsson) managed to attract the attention of [Dan Broström](/source/Dan_Brostr%C3%B6m) of the [Broström Concern](/source/Brostr%C3%B6m_Concern), and on 4 December 1914 the new Rederiaktiebolaget Sverige-Nordamerika was founded in [Gothenburg](/source/Gothenburg).<ref name=Timeline /><ref name=TGOLGripsholm1 /><ref name=KommandoPass /> The Broström Concern had already operated [freighters](/source/Cargo_ship) across the North Atlantic since 1911 under the name of [Swedish American Mexico Line](/source/Swedish_American_Mexico_Line) (often abbreviated SAML).<ref name=SAML>{{Cite web|url=http://www.faktaomfartyg.se/svenska_amerika_mexico_linjen.htm |title=Ab Svenska Amerika Mexiko Linjen |access-date=22 February 2008 |author=Micke Asklander |work=Fakta om Fartyg |language=Swedish }}</ref><ref name=SALL>{{Cite web|url=http://www.kommandobryggan.se/Bryggan/sallast.htm |title=Svenska Amerikalinjen: Lastfartygen |access-date=22 February 2008 |work=Kommandobryggan |language=Swedish }}</ref> Originally the new company had planned to commission two purpose-built 18000-ton ships, but this plan was never realised. Instead, in September 1915 the company acquired the 1900-built [Holland America Line](/source/Holland_America_Line) vessel SS ''Potsdam'', which was renamed {{SS|Stockholm}}.<ref name=TGOLPotsdam>{{Cite web |url=http://www.thegreatoceanliners.com/potsdam.html |title=Potsdam/Stockholm (I)/Solglimt/Sonderburg |access-date=22 February 2008 |author=Henrik Ljungstöm |work=The Great Ocean Liners |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160709043425/http://www.thegreatoceanliners.com/potsdam.html |archive-date=9 July 2016  }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.faktaomfartyg.se/potsdam_1900.htm |title=S/S Potsdam (1900) |access-date=22 February 2008 |author=Micke Asklander |work=Fakta om Fartyg |language=Swedish |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120801163211/http://www.faktaomfartyg.nu/potsdam_1900.htm |archive-date=1 August 2012 |url-status=dead  }}</ref> On 11 December 1915, in the midst of [World War I](/source/World_War_I), the ''Stockholm'' left on her first crossing from Gothenburg to [New York](/source/New_York_City). En route she was stopped by a [British naval vessel](/source/Royal_Navy) and forced to make a stop at [Kirkwall](/source/Kirkwall), where all mail onboard was confiscated. In the end, the ''Stockholm''{{'}}s first transatlantic crossing took no less than 15½ days.<ref name=Timeline /> Initially the new company concentrated on immigrant trade, with substantial provision made for passengers traveling in [steerage](/source/steerage).<ref name=TGOLVirginian>{{Cite web|url=http://www.thegreatoceanliners.com/virginian.html |title=Virginian/Drottningholm/Brasil/Homeland |access-date=22 February 2008 |author=Henrik Ljungstöm |work=The Great Ocean Liners }}</ref> Despite the difficulties caused by the war, the ''Stockholm'' continued transatlantic services until 1917, when [Germany](/source/Germany)'s [unrestricted submarine warfare](/source/unrestricted_submarine_warfare) forced her to be laid up in Gothenburg until June 1918, when she resumed service.<ref name=TGOLPotsdam />

In February 1920 RAB Sverige-Nordamerika acquired a second ship, the former [Allan Line](/source/Allan_Line) vessel SS ''Virginian'' from [Canadian Pacific Steamships](/source/Canadian_Pacific_Steamships). The ship had most recently been used as a troopship by the British Admiralty. She was renamed {{SS|Drottningholm}} and entered service for her new owners on 30 May 1920. In 1922–1923 the ''Drottningholm'' was refurbished, re-engined and her superstructure enlarged.<ref name=Timeline /><ref name=TGOLVirginian /><ref name=Drottningholm>{{Cite web|url=http://www.faktaomfartyg.se/virginian_1905.htm |title=S/S Virginian (1905) |access-date=22 February 2008 |author=Micke Asklander |work=Fakta om Fartyg |language=Swedish }}</ref> As a partial replacement, the 1902-built SS ''Noordam'' was chartered from Holland America Line as {{SS|Kungsholm}} from 27 February 1923 until 18 December 1924.<ref name=Simplon /><ref name=Timeline /><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.faktaomfartyg.se/noordam_1902.htm |title=S/S Noordam (1902) |access-date=22 February 2008 |author=Micke Asklander |work=Fakta om Fartyg |language=Swedish |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120730052831/http://www.faktaomfartyg.nu/noordam_1902.htm |archive-date=30 July 2012 |url-status=dead  }}</ref> In April 1924 the company acquired {{SS|Borgholm}}, a small coastal steamer that became the first in a series of feeder ships used to transport passengers from ports around the [Baltic Sea](/source/Baltic_Sea) to Gothenburg.<ref name=Timeline /><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.faktaomfartyg.se/bornholm_1899.htm |title=S/S Bornholm (1899) |access-date=22 February 2008 |author=Micke Asklander |work=Fakta om Fartyg |language=Swedish |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120801064609/http://www.faktaomfartyg.nu/bornholm_1899.htm |archive-date=1 August 2012 |url-status=dead  }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.faktaomfartyg.se/kastelholm_1929.htm |title=S/S Kastelholm (1929) |access-date=22 February 2008 |author=Micke Asklander |work=Fakta om Fartyg |language=Swedish |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120801070038/http://www.faktaomfartyg.nu/kastelholm_1929.htm |archive-date=1 August 2012 |url-status=dead  }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.faktaomfartyg.se/marieholm_1934.htm |title=S/S Marieholm (1934) |access-date=22 February 2008 |author=Micke Asklander |work=Fakta om Fartyg |language=Swedish |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120801023707/http://www.faktaomfartyg.nu/marieholm_1934.htm |archive-date=1 August 2012 |url-status=dead  }}</ref>

thumb|{{MS|Kungsholm|1928|6}} of 1928, with her original black hull colour.

===1924–1939===
In March 1923 RAB Sverige-Nordamerika placed an order for their first newbuilding, the first {{MS|Gripsholm|1925|6}}, with [Armstrong Whitworth & Co](/source/Armstrong_Whitworth) in [Newcastle upon Tyne](/source/Newcastle_upon_Tyne).<ref name=Timeline /> She was the first [diesel-engined](/source/diesel_engine) liner to be built for the transatlantic service.<ref name=Simplon /> The ''Gripsholm'' was launched and christened on 26 November 1924, and delivered on 7 November 1925. On the same date her owners officially changed their name to Svenska Amerika Linien / Swedish American Line, and on 21 November the ''Gripsholm'' set out on her maiden voyage from Gothenburg to New York.<ref name=Timeline /><ref name=Gripsholm25>{{Cite web|url=http://www.faktaomfartyg.se/gripsholm_1925.htm |title=M/S Gripsholm (1925) |access-date=22 February 2008 |author=Micke Asklander |work=Fakta om Fartyg |language=Swedish }}</ref> Encouraged by the success of the ''Gripsholm'', SAL placed an order for a ship of similar but larger design with the [Blohm & Voss](/source/Blohm_%26_Voss) shipyard in [Hamburg](/source/Hamburg) on 28 October 1926.<ref name=Timeline /> In 1927 the company decided to enter the cruise market, offering various cruises during the [Northern Hemisphere](/source/Northern_Hemisphere) winter season.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.salship.se/salpage.asp |title=About the Swedish American Line |access-date=22 February 2008 |work=A tribute to the Swedish American Line |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050129131952/http://www.salship.se/salpage.asp |archive-date=29 January 2005  }}</ref>

On 17 March 1928 the new {{MS|Kungsholm|1928|6}} was launched at Blohm & Voss.<ref name=Timeline /><ref name=Kungsholm28>{{Cite web |url=http://www.faktaomfartyg.se/kungsholm_1928.htm |title=M/S Kungsholm (1928) |access-date=22 February 2008 |author=Micke Asklander |work=Fakta om Fartyg |language=Swedish |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120802032746/http://www.faktaomfartyg.nu/kungsholm_1928.htm |archive-date=2 August 2012 |url-status=dead  }}</ref> The ''Kungsholm''{{'}}s interiors were designed with off-season cruising in mind, with her passenger capacity shrunk from 1344 on liner service to around 600 for cruising. She was also one of the first liners with interior decorations in [art deco](/source/art_deco) style, following the lead of the {{SS|Ile de France}}, built in 1927.<ref name=Dawson1 /> The ship was delivered to SAL on 13 October 1928, and left on her maiden voyage on 24 November 1928.<ref name=Timeline /><ref name=Kungsholm28 /> Coinciding with the delivery of the new ship, the first SS '' Stockholm'' was sold to [Norwegian](/source/Norway) interests for conversion to a [whale factory ship](/source/mother_ship), SS ''Solglimt''.<ref name=TGOLPotsdam /> With the ''Gripsholm'' and ''Kungsholm'' the SAL gained popularity with West [Europe](/source/Europe)an and American passengers, both in liner and cruise service.<ref name=Dawson1 /> In May 1929 the [United States](/source/United_States) and [Canada](/source/Canada) imposed extensive restrictions on immigration.<ref name=Timeline /> At some point after the delivery of the ''Kungsholm'', SAL decided to abandon the traditional black hull colour and their entire fleet was repainted with white hulls.<ref name=Simplon />

The Swedish American Line continued operations with the ''Drottningholm'', ''Gripsholm'' and ''Kungsholm'' throughout the 1930s. In November 1936 the company placed an order for a new ship, {{MS|Stockholm|1938|6}}, with [Cantieri Riuniti dell'Adriatico](/source/Cantieri_Riuniti_dell'Adriatico), [Monfalcone](/source/Monfalcone), [Italy](/source/Italy).<ref name=Timeline /> The planned delivery date for the ship was in March 1939, but she was destroyed by a fire during the final stages of construction on 19 December 1938. Construction of a second ship based on the same design, also named {{MS|Stockholm|1940|6}}, began soon after the destruction of the original.<ref name=Timeline /><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.faktaomfartyg.se/stockholm_1938.htm |title=M/S Stockholm (1938) |access-date=22 February 2008 |author=Micke Asklander |work=Fakta om Fartyg |language=Swedish |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120730192410/http://www.faktaomfartyg.nu/stockholm_1938.htm |archive-date=30 July 2012 |url-status=dead  }}</ref><ref name=Stockholm>{{Cite web|url=http://www.faktaomfartyg.se/stockholm_1941.htm |title=M/S Stockholm (1941) |access-date=22 February 2008 |author=Micke Asklander |work=Fakta om Fartyg |language=Swedish }}</ref>

===1939–1946===
Due to [World War II](/source/World_War_II) breaking out in Europe, the [''Kungsholm''](/source/MS_Kungsholm_(1928)) made her last transatlantic crossing in October 1939, after which she was used for cruising around the [West Indies](/source/West_Indies) until 1941. Also due to the war the ''Gripsholm'' and ''Drottningholm'' were taken out of service and are laid up on 24 November 1939 and March 1940, respectively.<ref name=Timeline /> Meanwhile, the construction work continued on the third ''Stockholm'' in Italy, and she was launched on 10 March 1940. In October 1941 the ship was ready for delivery, but due to the war SAL had no service to place her on. As a result, the ship was sold to the Italian government on 3 November 1941 and converted to the troopship MS ''Sabaudia''. The ''Sabaudia'' eventually sunk outside [Trieste](/source/Trieste) on 6 July 1944.<ref name=Timeline /><ref name=Stockholm /><ref>Dawson (2005), p.95</ref> Had the ''Stockholm'' ever entered service for SAL, she would have been the largest ship ever operated by the company.<ref name=TGOLKungsholm4>{{Cite web |url=http://www.thegreatoceanliners.com/kungsholm4.html |title=Kungsholm (IV)/Sea Princess (I)/Victoria (II)/Mona Lisa |access-date=22 February 2008 |author=Daniel Othfors |work=The Great Ocean Liners |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090813100127/http://www.thegreatoceanliners.com/kungsholm4.html |archive-date=13 August 2009  }}</ref>
thumbnail|left|Stigbergskajen quay in Gothenburg where the steamers of the Swedish American Line moored, and the port terminal "The American Shed". Shown in 1944.
In December 1941 the US Government confiscated the ''Kungsholm'' while she was in New York. After negotiations with the Swedish American Line, the company agreed to sell the ship to the [War Shipping Administration](/source/War_Shipping_Administration) (WSA) for [$](/source/United_States_dollar)6 million which renamed the ship ''John Ericsson'' for operation under WSA contract by [United States Lines](/source/United_States_Lines) with allocation first to the State Department and then in January 1942 to Army troop transportation until 1945 when she was laid up.<ref name=Timeline /><ref name=Kungsholm28 /><ref>{{cite book |last1=Matloff |first1=Maurice |last2=Snell |first2=Edwin M. |year=1999 |title=The War Department: Strategic Planning For Coalition Warfare 1941–1942 |series=United States Army in World War II |location=Washington, DC |publisher=Center of Military History, United States Army |lccn=53061477|page=117 }}</ref><ref name=Ljungstrom>{{cite web |url=http://www.thegreatoceanliners.com/kungsholm2.html |title=''Kungsholm'' (II)/''Italia'' |access-date=20 February 2009 |last=Ljungstrom |first=Henrik |work=The Great Ocean Liners}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |title=The Pictorial Encycpedia of Ocean Liners, 1860–1994 |last=Miller |first=William H. Jr. |year=1995 |publisher=Dover Publications |location=Mineola |isbn=0-486-28137-X |page=[https://archive.org/details/pictorialencyclo0000mill/page/65 65] |url=https://archive.org/details/pictorialencyclo0000mill/page/65 }}</ref> The ''Drottningholm'' meanwhile was chartered by the US government 4 March 1942 for use as a [repatriation](/source/repatriation) vessel, to exchange official personnel between the United States and the [Axis powers](/source/Axis_powers). As Sweden was a neutral country during the war, the Swedish-flagged ship could be used to transport passengers between the warring nations, under the command of [Sea Captain](/source/Sea_Captain) [John Nordlander](/source/John_Nordlander). The ''Drottningsholm'' made two exchange trips for the US government, after which she was chartered for similar use by the British government. In June 1942 the ''Gripsholm'' was also chartered to the US government for the same use as the ''Drottningholm''. For this purpose the ''Gripsholm'' was managed by the [American Export Lines](/source/American_Export_Lines) but kept her original Swedish crew and flag. Unlike the ''Drottningholm'', the ''Gripsholm'' was chartered to the US government until 1946. Together the ''Drottningholm'' and ''Gripsholm'' made a total of 33 repatriation voyages during the war.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.salship.se/mercy.asp |title=The Exchange and Repatriation Voyages During WWII |access-date=22 February 2008 |author=Lars Hemingstam |work=A tribute to the Swedish American Line |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080309004117/http://www.salship.se/mercy.asp |archive-date=9 March 2008  }}</ref>

In October 1944, before the end of World War II, SAL placed an order with the [Götaverken](/source/G%C3%B6taverken) shipyard in Gothenburg for a cargo/passenger liner of {{GRT|12,165|disp=long}}.<ref name=Timeline />

===1946–1951===
In March 1946 the Swedish American Line re-commenced commercial service, with the ''Drottningholm'' setting on her first post-war crossing from Gothenburg on 26 March 1946, while the ''Gripsholm'' set out on her corresponding crossing from New York on 31 March 1946. On 9 September 1946 the company's newest ship was launched at the Götaverken shipyard and named {{MS|Stockholm|1948|6}}.<ref name=Timeline /> The new ''Stockholm'' was the product of an entirely different thinking from her two predecessors with the same name—instead of offering luxurious surroundings, the new ship was to offer cheap transportation for the masses with austere interiors—despite the protests from the company's chief executive and Stateside offices.<ref>Dawson (2005), pp. 174–175</ref><ref name=TGOLStockholm>{{Cite web|url=http://www.thegreatoceanliners.com/stockholm3.html |title=Stockholm/Völkerfreundschaft/Volker/Italia/Italia Prima/Valtur Prima/Caribe/Athena |access-date=22 February 2008 |author=Henrik Ljungström |work=The Great Ocean Liners }}</ref> During the same year the Swedish American Line founded [Home Lines](/source/Home_Lines) together with [Cosulich Lines](/source/Cosulich_Lines) and the [Greek](/source/Greece) businessman [Eugen Eugenides](/source/Eugen_Eugenides).<ref name=Simplon /> Additionally the operations of [Swedish American Mexico Line](/source/Swedish_American_Mexico_Line) were merged into those of the Swedish American Line in 1946, bringing five cargo-carrying ships to the fleet of SAL.<ref name=FoF /><ref name=SAML /> On 18 July 1947 Swedish American Line bought back the USS ''John Ericsson'' from the US Navy, and restored her to her original name. The ship sailed to the [Ansaldo shipyard](/source/Ansaldo_shipyard) in [Genoa](/source/Genoa), where she was rebuilt for service with Home Lines under the name MS ''Italia''.<ref name=Kungsholm28 />

On 7 February 1948 the new ''Stockholm'' was delivered to SAL. She set out on her maiden voyage from Gothenburg to New York on 21 February 1948.<ref name=Stockholm48>{{Cite web |url=http://www.faktaomfartyg.se/stockholm_1948.htm |title=M/S Stockholm (1948) |access-date=22 February 2008 |author=Micke Asklander |work=Fakta om Fartyg |language=Swedish |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120731095136/http://www.faktaomfartyg.nu/stockholm_1948.htm |archive-date=31 July 2012 |url-status=dead  }}</ref> When the ''Stockholm'' entered service, the ''Drottningholm'' was transferred to [South Atlantic Lines](/source/South_Atlantic_Lines) (a subsidiary of SAL) and renamed SS ''Brazil'' for traffic with Home Lines.<ref name=Drottningholm /> Between 18 December 1949 and 14 February 1950 the ''Gripsholm'' was rebuilt at [Howaldtswerke](/source/Howaldtswerke), [Kiel](/source/Kiel) with amongst others new funnels, a new bow and modern navigational equipment.<ref name=Gripsholm25 /> In March 1950 the company placed an order for a new combined cruise ship/ocean liner with [De Schelde](/source/De_Schelde) shipyard at [Vlissingen](/source/Vlissingen), Netherlands. On 18 January 1951 the Swedish American Line re-commenced cruise service for the first time since 1941, when the ''Stockholm'' embarked on a cruise to the West Indies.<ref name=Timeline />

===1952–1962===
thumb|The 1957 ''Gripsholm'' in Stockholm, photographed by Gustaf W. Cronquist.
The new ship under construction at De Schelde was launched on 18 October 1952 and named {{MS|Kungsholm|1953|6}}, becoming the third SAL ship to bear the name. The new ''Kungsholm'' was delivered on 30 September 1953, and set out on her maiden voyage from Gothenburg on 24 November 1953.<ref name=Timeline /><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.faktaomfartyg.se/kungsholm_1953.htm |title=M/S Kungsholm (1953) |access-date=22 February 2008 |author=Micke Asklander |work=Fakta om Fartyg |language=Swedish |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120731134321/http://www.faktaomfartyg.nu/kungsholm_1953.htm |archive-date=31 July 2012 |url-status=dead  }}</ref> Following the ''Kungsholm''{{'}}s delivery the ''Stockholm'' was rebuilt with larger passenger accommodations.<ref name=TGOLStockholm /> Coinciding with the completion of the ''Stockholm''{{'}}s refit, the ageing ''Gripsholm'' was sold to the [North German Lloyd](/source/North_German_Lloyd), becoming their MS ''Berlin''.<ref name=Gripsholm25 /><ref name=Stockholm48 /> On 14 September 1954 SAL ordered another new ship, essentially an enlarged version of the most recent ''Kungsholm'', from the Ansaldo shipyard. The new ship was named {{MS|Gripsholm|1957|6}} (the second ship to bear that name in the SAL fleet) and launched on 8 April 1956.<ref name=Timeline />

On 25 July 1956 the ''Stockholm'' collided with the {{SS|Andrea Doria}} outside [Nantucket](/source/Nantucket) in one of the most famous maritime disasters of the 20th century. 47 people on the ''Andrea Doria'' were lost, while five members of the ''Stockholm''{{'}}s crew were lost in the collision. Several of the ''Andrea Doria''{{'}}s passengers were rescued by the ''Stockholm''. She was able to return to New York under her own power, and was subsequently repaired at [Bethlehem Steel](/source/Bethlehem_Steel), returning to service on 5 November 1956.<ref name=Timeline /><ref name=TGOLStockholm /><ref name=Stockholm48 /> On 14 May 1957 the new ''Gripsholm'' started on her maiden voyage from Gothenburg to New York. For the next three years the company operated with three ships.<ref name=Timeline /> In May 1959 the ''Stockholm'' was sold to [VEB Deutsche Seereederei](/source/VEB_Deutsche_Seereederei), [East Germany](/source/East_Germany), with a delivery date on 3 January 1960, becoming their MS ''Völkerfreundschaft''.<ref name=Stockholm48 />

===1963–1975===
[[File:Jacob Truedson Demitz 18th birthday group 1966.jpg|thumb|[Birgit Ridderstedt](/source/Birgit_Ridderstedt) (right) and son Lars after his 18th birthday dinner in First Class on the ''[Gripsholm](/source/MS_Gripsholm_(1957))'' in 1966]]
On 23 August 1963 the Swedish American Line ordered another new ship, this time from [John Brown and Company](/source/John_Brown_and_Company), [Clydebank](/source/Clydebank). The new ship, named {{MS|Kungsholm|1966|6}} (the fourth SAL ship with that name), was launched on 14 April 1964. Her design featured several cruise-friendly innovations, including all-outside cabins and large [lido deck](/source/lido_deck)s.<ref name=Dawson2>Dawson (2005), pp. 193–194</ref> In preparation for the delivery of the new ''Kungsholm'', the old (third) [''Kungsholm''](/source/MS_Kungsholm_(1952)) was sold to [North German Lloyd](/source/North_German_Lloyd) on 5 October 1965, becoming their third MS ''Europa''. The SAL operated with just one passenger-carrying ship until 24 April 1966, when the fourth (and final) ''Kungsholm'' was delivered. She began service with a transatlantic crossing from Gothenburg to New York, after which she was used for cruising around the world.<ref name=Timeline /><ref name=Kungsholm66>{{Cite web|url=http://www.faktaomfartyg.se/kungsholm_1966.htm |title=M/S Kungsholm (1966) |access-date=22 February 2008 |author=Micke Asklander |work=Fakta om Fartyg |language=Swedish }}</ref> In 1966 SAL's ships made only nine transatlantic crossings.<ref name=Dawson2 /> In 1965 SAL had founded [Hoverlloyd](/source/Hoverlloyd) together with [Swedish Lloyd](/source/Swedish_Lloyd) to offer a fast [hovercraft](/source/hovercraft) connection across the [English Channel](/source/English_Channel). Hoverlloyd begun operations in 1966 with two hovercraft, ''Swift'' and ''Sure''.<ref name=Hoverlloyd>{{Cite web|url=http://www.kommandobryggan.se/SAL/hoover.htm |title=Hoverlloyd |access-date=22 February 2008 |work=Kommandobryggan |language=Swedish }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.faktaomfartyg.se/hoverlloyd_red.htm |title=Hoverlloyd |access-date=22 February 2008 |author=Micke Asklander |work=Fakta om Fartyg |language=Swedish |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120729122500/http://www.faktaomfartyg.nu/hoverlloyd_red.htm |archive-date=29 July 2012 |url-status=dead  }}</ref> Another joint operation was formed in the mid-60s when SAL, [Rederiaktiebolaget Transatlantic](/source/Rederiaktiebolaget_Transatlantic) and [Wallenius Rederiet](/source/Wallenius_Rederiet) founded [Atlantic Container Line](/source/Atlantic_Container_Line) as a joint marketing entity for transatlantic freight operations. Some time later the decision was made to establish a new company, [Swedish Atlantic Line](/source/Swedish_Atlantic_Line) (AB Svenska Atlant Linjen), for Swedish American Line's freight operations. In the early 70s another joint company, [Atlantic Gulf Services](/source/Atlantic_Gulf_Services), was founded, this time in collaboration with [Finnlines](/source/Finnlines).<ref name=SALL />

In 1970 SAL's passenger ships made only three transatlantic crossings, and from 1971 onwards the only crossings made were [repositioning cruise](/source/repositioning_cruise)s.<ref name=Dawson2 /> In June 1972 the Swedish American Line purchased the expedition cruise ship {{MS|Lindblad Explorer}} via their [Panama](/source/Panama)-based subsidiary United Cruising Co. Unlike other SAL passenger vessels, the ''Lindblad Explorer'' was registered in Panama, not Sweden.<ref name="Lindblad Explorer">{{Cite web |url=http://www.faktaomfartyg.se/lindblad_explorer_1969.htm |title=M/S Lindblad Explorer (1969) |access-date=22 February 2008 |author=Micke Asklander |work=Fakta om Fartyg |language=Swedish |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120525185157/http://www.faktaomfartyg.nu/lindblad_explorer_1969.htm |archive-date=25 May 2012 |url-status=dead  }}</ref> Increased operational costs of Swedish-flagged ships forced the company to start negotiations with Swedish [trade union](/source/trade_union)s for re-flagging the ''Gripsholm'' and ''Kungsholm''. The negotiations failed however, and 22 March 1975 the company decided to abandon passenger traffic despite protests from the company's United States offices, according to whom the ships would have continued to be highly profitable even under the Swedish flag.<ref name=Simplon /><ref name=Timeline /><ref name=TGOLKungsholm4 /> The ''Gripsholm'' and ''Kungsholm'' were taken out-of-service and laid up in August 1975. The ''Kungsholm'' was sold to [Flagship Cruises](/source/Flagship_Cruises) in October of the same year for only 65 million [Swedish krona](/source/Swedish_krona), a half of what SAL had paid for her nine years earlier. Flagship maintained her under the name ''Kungsholm'' for cruising under [Liberia](/source/Liberia)n flag.<ref name=TGOLKungsholm4 /><ref name=Kungsholm66 /> The ''Gripsholm'' found a buyer in November when she was sold to [Karageorgis Lines](/source/Karageorgis_Lines), Greece, becoming their MS ''Navarino''.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.faktaomfartyg.se/gripsholm_1957.htm |title=M/S Gripsholm (1957) |access-date=22 February 2008 |author=Micke Asklander |work=Fakta om Fartyg |language=Swedish |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120804140825/http://www.faktaomfartyg.nu/gripsholm_1957.htm |archive-date=4 August 2012 |url-status=dead  }}</ref> The ''Lindblad Explorer'' however stayed under SAL's ownership.<ref name="Lindblad Explorer" /> At the end of 1975 SAL withdrew from Atlantic Gulf Services.<ref name=SALL />

===1975 onwards===
SAL continued freight operations, maintained their share in Hoverlloyd and ownership of the ''Lindblad Explorer'' until the early 1980s. The ''Lindblad Explorer'' was sold to [Lindblad Swire Cruises](/source/Lindblad_Swire_Cruises) in 1980,<ref name="Lindblad Explorer" /> and soon afterwards SAL withdrew from Hoverlloyd.<ref name=Hoverlloyd /> Apparently the last ship owned by the company was sold in 1986.<ref name=FoF /> In 1984 the company was bought by competing ship owner [Rederi AB Transatlantic](/source/Rederi_AB_Transatlantic), which in turn was bought by transportation company [Bilspedition AB](/source/Bilspedition_AB) in 1988. The last vestiges of SAL disappeared in 1990, when Bilspedition closed down its shipping department.<ref>[http://www.ne.se/ab-svenska-amerika-linien Article on ''AB Svenska Amerika Linien'' in NE.se.]. Retrieved 16 September 2011. {{in lang|sv}}</ref> 

As of 2026, the last surviving ships that were part of Swedish American Line are: the tender {{SS|Marieholm}}, serving as restaurant ship in Gothenburg, Sweden; and a tender from the [MS ''Kungsholm''](/source/MV_Kungsholm_(1965))'','' used as the excursion boat ''Cygnet'' on Coniston Water, England.<ref>{{Cite web |title=tenders |url=https://www.salship.se/tenders.php |access-date=2022-06-24 |website=www.salship.se}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=About |url=https://conistonlaunch.co.uk/about/ |access-date=2022-06-24 |website=Coniston Launch Co. |language=en-GB}}</ref>

==Ships==
Lists sourced from.<ref name=FoF /><ref name=KommandoPass /><ref name=SALL />

===Passenger ships===
{| class="wikitable"
! Ship || Image|| Built || In service for SAL || Tonnage 
!Ship yard|| Status || Notes 
|-
| {{SS|Stockholm}} || 200px|| 1900 ||align="Center" | 1915–1928 || align="Right" | {{GRT|12835}} 
|[Blohm + Voss](/source/Blohm_%2B_Voss), [Germany](/source/Germany)|| Sunk 1942 ||
|-
| [SS ''Drottningholm''](/source/RMS_Virginian) ||frameless|| 1905 ||align="Center" | 1920–1946 || align="Right" | {{GRT|11285}} 
|[Alexander Stephen and Sons](/source/Alexander_Stephen_and_Sons), [Scotland](/source/Scotland)|| Scrapped 1955. ||
|-
| {{SS|Kungsholm}} || 200px || 1902 ||align="Center" | 1923–1924 || align="Right" | {{GRT|12500}} 
|[Harland & Wolff](/source/Harland_%26_Wolff), [Ireland](/source/Ireland)|| Scrapped 1928 ||
|-
| {{MS|Borgholm}} || || 1899 ||align="Center" | 1924–1934 || align="Right" | {{GRT|518}} 
| || Scrapped 1953 || Used on feeder service from the [Baltic Sea](/source/Baltic_Sea) to Gothenburg. Scrapped 1953. 
|-
| {{MS|Gripsholm|1925}} || 200px || 1925 ||align="Center" | 1925–1954 || align="Right" | {{GRT|17944}}<br/>{{GRT|19105}} 
|Armstrong Whitworth & Co. Ltd, England|| Scrapped 1966 || First purpose built passenger ship for Swedish American Line. 
|-
| {{MS|Kungsholm|1928}} || 200px || 1928 ||align="Center" | 1928–1942 || align="Right" | {{GRT|21250}} 
|[Blohm + Voss](/source/Blohm_%2B_Voss), [Germany](/source/Germany)|| Scrapped 1965 ||
|-
| {{SS|Kastelholm}} || || 1929 ||align="Center" | 1929–1952 || align="Right" | {{GRT|921}} 
| || Scrapped 1965 || Used on feeder service from the Baltic Sea to Gothenburg. 
|-
| {{SS|Marieholm}} || frameless|| 1934 ||align="Center" | 1934–1940 || align="Right" | {{GRT|1162}} 
|[Odense Staalskibsværft](/source/Odense_Staalskibsv%C3%A6rft), [Denmark](/source/Denmark)|| Restaurant Ship<ref>{{Cite web |title=Välkomna, S/S Marieholm - Göteborg Centrum |url=http://www.ssmarieholm.se/valkommen.aspx |access-date=2022-06-24 |website=www.ssmarieholm.se}}</ref> || Used on tender service connection from the Baltic Sea ports to Gothenburg. Last surviving ship of the Swedish American Line. 
|-
| {{MS|Stockholm|1938}} || || 1938 ||align="Center" | never entered service || align="Right" | {{GRT|30390}} 
|[Cantieri Riuniti dell' Adriatico](/source/Cantieri_Riuniti_dell'_Adriatico), [Monfalcone](/source/Monfalcone), Italy|| Destroyed in a fire before delivery in 1938. || Destroyed in a fire before delivery in 1938. 
|-
| {{MS|Stockholm|1940}} || || 1941 ||align="Center" | never entered service || align="Right" | {{GRT|30390}} 
|[Cantieri Riuniti dell' Adriatico](/source/Cantieri_Riuniti_dell'_Adriatico), [Monfalcone](/source/Monfalcone), Italy|| Bombed and partially sank in 1944, Scrapped || Never sailed for SAL, sold to the Italian government after completed. 
|-
| {{MS|Stockholm|1948}} ||200px|| 1948 ||align="Center" | 1948–1959 || align="Right" | {{GRT|12165}} 
|[Götaverken](/source/G%C3%B6taverken), [Gothenburg](/source/Gothenburg), [Sweden](/source/Sweden)|| Undergoing scrapping at Ghent  || Collided with {{SS|Andrea Doria}} in 1956. Had multiple name changes and ended with the name ''Astoria''. Arrived at [Ghent](/source/Ghent) for scrapping in 2025. 
|-
| {{MS|Kungsholm|1952}} ||200px|| 1952 ||align="Center" | 1953–1965 || align="Right" | {{GRT|21164}} 
|De Schelde, [Vlissingen](/source/Vlissingen), Netherlands|| Sunk at pier, scrapped 1984 ||
|-
| {{MS|Gripsholm|1957}} ||200px|| 1957 ||align="Center" | 1957–1975 || align="Right" | {{GRT|23191}} 
|[Ansaldo Shipyard](/source/Ansaldo_Shipyard), [Italy](/source/Italy)|| Sunk in 2001 on way to scrapyard. ||
|-
| {{MS|Kungsholm|1965}} || 200px || 1965 ||align="Center" | 1966–1975 || align="Right" | {{GRT|26677}} 
|[John Brown & Company](/source/John_Brown_%26_Company), [Clydebank](/source/Clydebank), Scotland || Scrapped 2016. ||
|-
| {{MS|Lindblad Explorer}} || 200px || 1969 ||align="Center" | 1972–1980 || align="Right" | {{GRT|2480}} 
|Uudenkaupungin Telakka, [Uusikaupunki](/source/Uusikaupunki), Finland|| Sunk 2007. ||
|-
|}

===Cargo ships===
{{Expand list|date=August 2008}}

{| class="wikitable"
! Ship || Built || In service for SAL || Type || Tonnage || Notes
|-
| {{MS|Danaholm}} || 1939 ||align="Center" | 1946–1963 || [freighter](/source/Cargo_ship) ||align="Right" | {{GRT|3643}} || Transferred from [Swedish American Mexico Line](/source/Swedish_American_Mexico_Line). Scrapped 1972
|-
| {{MS|Rydboholm}} || 1946 ||align="Center" | 1946–1963 || [Kramfors](/source/Cargo_ship)||align="Right" | {{GRT|4711}} || Scrapped 1978
|-
| {{MS|Krageholm}} || 1943 ||align="Center" | 1946–1967 || [Kramfors](/source/Cargo_ship)||align="Right" | {{GRT|3654}} || Sunk 1971
|-
| {{MS|Tunaholm}} || 1938 ||align="Center" | 1946–1963 || [Kramfors](/source/Cargo_ship)||align="Right" | {{GRT|3851}} || Transferred from Swedish American Mexico Line. Scrapped 1972
|-
| {{MS|Uddeholm}} || 1945 ||align="Center" | 1946–1963 || [Kramfors](/source/Cargo_ship)||align="Right" | {{GRT|4815}} || Transferred from Swedish American Mexico Line. Sunk 1977
|-
| {{MS|Golden Quest}} || 1945 ||align="Center" | 1946 || [Kramfors](/source/Cargo_ship)||align="Right" | {{GRT|370}} || Sold to Rederiaktiebolaget Jake, [Kramfors](/source/Kramfors) 1946. Still operating
|-
| {{MS|Trolleholm}} || 1946 ||align="Center" | 1946–1962 || [tanker](/source/Cargo_ship)||align="Right" | {{GRT|4430}} || Transferred from Swedish American Mexico Line. Scrapped 1965
|-
| {{MS|Marieholm|1947|6}} || 1947 ||align="Center" | 1947–1958 || [tanker](/source/Tanker_(ship)) ||align="Right" | {{GRT|11966}} || Scrapped 1974
|-
| {{MS|Maltesholm}} || 1951 ||align="Center" | 1951–1969 || [Cargo ship](/source/Cargo_ship)||align="Right" | {{GRT|4694}} || Sunk 1981
|-
| {{MS|Vibyholm}} || 1951 ||align="Center" | 1951–???? || [Cargo ship](/source/Cargo_ship)||align="Right" | {{GRT|4901}} || 
|-
| {{MS|Vasaholm}} || 1955 ||align="Center" | 1955–1971 || [Cargo ship](/source/Cargo_ship)||align="Right" | {{GRT|4694}} || Sunk 1979
|-
| {{MS|Marieholm|1963|6}} || 1963 ||align="Center" | 1963–1966 || [Cargo ship](/source/Cargo_ship) ||align="Right" | {{GRT|8488}} || Scrapped 1985
|-
| {{MS|Sagaholm}} || 1963 ||align="Center" | 1963–1972 || [Cargo ship](/source/Cargo_ship)||align="Right" | {{GRT|6916}} ||
|-
| {{MS|Atlantic Saga}} || 1967 ||align="Center" | 1967–1986 || [Cargo ship](/source/Cargo_ship)||align="Right" | {{GRT|12231}} || Scrapped 1987
|-
| {{MS|Mont Royal}} || 1972 ||align="Center" | 1972–1985 || [Cargo ship](/source/Cargo_ship)||align="Right" | {{GRT|4262}} || Scrapped 2004
|}

==References==
;Notes
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}

;Bibliography
* {{Cite book|title=The Liner: Retrospective and Renaissance |last=Dawson |first=Philip |year=2005 |publisher=Conway |isbn=978-1-84486-049-4}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Swedish American Line}}
* [http://www.salship.se A Tribute to the Swedish American Line]
* [http://sal.hagmanstorp.com/index.htm Svenska Amerika Linien]
* [https://www.ggarchives.com/OceanTravel/SteamshipLines/SwedishAmericanLine.html Swedish American Line History and Ephemera] GG Archives

{{Authority control}}

Category:Defunct shipping companies
Category:Transatlantic shipping companies
Category:Defunct cruise lines
Category:Transport companies established in 1915
Category:Transport companies disestablished in 1984
Category:Defunct companies of Sweden
Category:Companies based in Gothenburg
Category:1975 disestablishments in Sweden
Category:Swedish companies established in 1915
Category:Swedish-American history
Category:1910s establishments in Gothenburg and Bohus County
Category:20th-century disestablishments in Gothenburg and Bohus County

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Swedish American Line](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swedish_American_Line) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swedish_American_Line?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.