''Empire Abbey''

'' Empire Abbey'' was a 7,032 GRT refrigerated cargo ship built in 1943 by Shipbuilding Corporation Ltd, Newcastle upon Tyne and managed by Elder & Fyffes Ltd. Sold to Royal Mail Lines and renamed ''Teviot'' in 1946. Sold to Mullion & Co., Hong Kong in 1960 and renamed ''Ardellis''. Sold to Hai An Shipping Co., Hong Kong and renamed ''Tung An'' in 1963. Scrapped in Taiwan in 1967.

''Empire Abercorn''

Empire Abercorn MV ''Empire Abercorn'' was a cargo and passenger ship that was built in 1944, renamed MV ''Rakaia'' in 1946 and remained in service until 1971. History ''Empire Abercorn'' was built by Harland & Wolff, Belfast for the MoWT and was initially ma ...

'' was an 8,563 GRT refrigerated cargo ship built in 1945 by Harland & Wolff, Belfast and managed by the New Zealand Shipping Company of London. Sold to New Zealand Shipping Co. in 1946 and renamed ''Rakaia''. Sold to Federal Steam Navigation Co. in 1966. Scrapped in Hong Kong in 1971.

''Empire Ability''

Empire Ability SS ''Uhenfels'' was a German-built heavy-lift ship that was launched in 1931 for DDG Hansa. She was captured by the Royal Navy in 1939, two months after the start of the Second World War. The UK Ministry of Shipping renamed her ''Empire Ability ...

'' was a 7,603 GRT

cargo ship A cargo ship or freighter is a merchant ship that carries cargo, goods, and materials from one port to another. Thousands of cargo carriers ply the world's seas and oceans each year, handling the bulk of international trade. Cargo ships are usu ...

built in 1931 by Deutsche Schiff- und Maschinenbau AG,

Bremen Bremen (Low German also: ''Breem'' or ''Bräm''), officially the City Municipality of Bremen (german: Stadtgemeinde Bremen, ), is the capital of the German state Free Hanseatic City of Bremen (''Freie Hansestadt Bremen''), a two-city-state consis ...

. Originally owned by Hansa Line,

and named ''Uhenfels''. Captured by HMS ''Hereward'' off Freetown 5 November 1940. Renamed ''Empire Ability'', managed by

Elder Dempster Lines Elder Dempster Lines was a UK shipping company that traded from 1932 to 2000, but had its origins in the mid-19th century. Founders Alexander Elder Alexander Elder was born in Glasgow in 1834. He was the son of David Elder, who for many ye ...

. Sunk by ''U-96'' 27 June 1941 at .

''Empire Ace''

'' Empire Ace'' was a 276 GRT coastal

tug A tugboat or tug is a marine vessel that manoeuvres other vessels by pushing or pulling them, with direct contact or a tow line. These boats typically tug ships in circumstances where they cannot or should not move under their own power, suc ...

built by Cochrane & Sons, Selby. Launched on 12 September 1942 and completed in December 1942. Sent to Malta where she was sunk in an air raid on 15 March 1944. Salvaged on 10 May and repaired. To the Admiralty in 1947 and renamed ''Diligent''. To the Secretary of State for Defence in 1961 and renamed ''Empire Ace''. On loan to the US Navy. To

Ministry of Defence {{unsourced, date=February 2021 A ministry of defence or defense (see spelling differences), also known as a department of defence or defense, is an often-used name for the part of a government responsible for matters of defence, found in states ...

in December 1964. Ran aground at

Campbeltown Campbeltown (; gd, Ceann Loch Chille Chiarain or ) is a town and former royal burgh in Argyll and Bute, Scotland. It lies by Campbeltown Loch on the Kintyre peninsula. Campbeltown became an important centre for Scotch whisky, and a busy fishing ...

on 11 November 1968 and abandoned. Refloated in June 1969 but a constructive total loss. Scrapped at Campbeltown in 1971.

''Empire Activity'' (I)

was a 5,287 GRT cargo ship built in 1919 by Swan Hunter and Wigham Richardson Ltd., Wallsend. Originally named ''Belgian'' and owned by Frederick Leyland Line, Liverpool. Sold in 1934 to Achille Lauro, Naples and renamed ''Amelia Lauro''. Seized at

Immingham Immingham is a town, civil parish and ward in the North East Lincolnshire unitary authority of England. It is situated on the south-west bank of the Humber Estuary, and is north-west from Grimsby. The region was relatively unpopulated and un ...

10 June 1940. Renamed ''Empire Activity'' in 1941, managed by Galbraith, Pembroke & Co. Wrecked off Newfoundland 3 October 1943.

''Empire Activity'' (II)

was a 14,250 GRT refrigerated cargo ship built 1940–42 by Caledon Shipyards,

Dundee Dundee (; sco, Dundee; gd, Dùn Dè or ) is Scotland's fourth-largest city and the 51st-most-populous built-up area in the United Kingdom. The mid-year population estimate for 2016 was , giving Dundee a population density of 2,478/km2 or ...

. She was laid down as ''Telemachus'' and requisitioned as ''Empire Activity''. Completed as escort aircraft carrier HMS ''Empire Activity'', quickly renamed HMS ''Activity''. Later converted to merchantman MV ''Breconshire'', scrapped in Mihara, Japan in April 1967

''Empire Addison''

Empire Addison SS ''Empire Addison'' was a 7,010 ton steamship which was built in 1941 for the Ministry of War Transport (MoWT), she was sold in 1945 becoming ''Philosopher'', and sold to Liberia in 1959 and renamed ''Aiolos'' serving until scrapped in 1963. ...

'' was a 7,010 GRT cargo ship built in 1940 by Lithgows Ltd.,

Port Glasgow Port Glasgow ( gd, Port Ghlaschu, ) is the second-largest town in the Inverclyde council area of Scotland. The population according to the 1991 census for Port Glasgow was 19,426 persons and in the 2001 census was 16,617 persons. The most recen ...

. Operated by T & J Harrison, Liverpool. Sold in 1945 to T & J Harrison and renamed ''Philosopher''. Sold in 1959 to Concordia Shipping Corporation,

Liberia Liberia (), officially the Republic of Liberia, is a country on the West African coast. It is bordered by Sierra Leone to Liberia–Sierra Leone border, its northwest, Guinea to its north, Ivory Coast to its east, and the Atlantic Ocean ...

and renamed ''Aiolos''. Scrapped in Hong Kong in 1963.

''Empire Aden''

Empire Aden __TOC__ SS ''Empire Aden'' was a 7,308 ton steamship which was built in 1945 for the Ministry of War Transport (MoWT), she was sold in 1948 becoming ''Etivebank'', and sold in 1956 and renamed ''Alcyone Fortune''. In 1958 she was sold to Panam ...

'' was a 7,308 GRT cargo ship built in 1945 by Bartram & Sons Ltd., Sunderland and managed by H Hogarth & Sons. Management passed to A Weir & Co., London in 1946. Sold to A Weir & Co. in 1948 and renamed ''Etivebank''. Sold to Alcyone Shipping Co., London in 1956 and renamed ''Alcyone Fortune''. Sold to Pan Norse Steamship Co., Panama in 1958 and renamed ''Northern Venture''. Ran aground off Okinawa 9 June 1967 and declared a total loss.

''Empire Admiral''

Empire Admiral SS ''Empire Admiral'' was a 7,842 ton steamship which was built in 1945 for the Ministry of War Transport (MoWT), she was sold in 1947 becoming ''Peter Dal'', and sold again in 1951 and renamed ''Benledi''. In 1953 she was sold to Bahamas and ...

'' was a 7,842 GRT cargo ship built in 1945 by Vickers-Armstrongs Ltd,

Barrow in Furness Barrow-in-Furness is a port town in Cumbria, England. Historically in Lancashire, it was incorporated as a municipal borough in 1867 and merged with Dalton-in-Furness Urban District in 1974 to form the Borough of Barrow-in-Furness. In 2023 the ...

and managed by Alfred Holt & Co. Management passed to Glen Line in 1945 and to Kaye, Son & Co., London in 1947. Sold in 1947 to Dalhousie Steam and Motorship Co and renamed ''Peter Dal''. Sold in 1951 to Ben Line Steamers, Edinburgh, passing to E G Thomson Ltd in 1953. Sold in 1963 to Andros Navigation Co, Nassau and renamed ''Andros Tommeno''. Sold to Frank Shipping Co., Liberia in 1963 and then to Unique Maritime Corporation, Liberia in 1966 and renamed ''Unique Carrier''. Scrapped in Taiwan in 1969.

''Empire Adur''

Empire Adur SS ''Empire Adur'' was a 1,479 ton steamship which was built in 1920 as the ''Griffdu''. She was renamed ''Noyo'' in 1935 and in 1940 was sold to Thailand, being renamed ''Nang Suang Nawa'', being seized in 1942 and renamed ''Empire Adur''. She ...

'' was a 1,479 GRT cargo ship built in 1920 by J. F. Duthie & Company, Seattle. Originally named ''Griffdu'', owned by Universal Steamship & Barge Co., Seattle. Sold to The Charles Nelson Co., San Francisco in 1925 and then to the Union Lumber Co., San Francisco in 1935 and renamed ''Noyo''. Sold in 1940 to Thia Niyom Panich Co., Bangkok and renamed ''Nang Suang Nawa''. To MoWT in 1942 and renamed ''Empire Adur'', managed by Singapore Straits Steamship Co. Sold to Thai Maritime Navigation Co., Bangkok in 1948 and renamed ''Nang Suan Nawa''. Lost at sea in 1955 whilst being towed by tug ''Albacore'' en route to Hong Kong for scrapping.

''Empire Adventure''

Empire Adventure SS ''Empire Adventure'' was a 5,787 ton steamship which was built in 1920 as the ''Eastney''. She was sold to France in 1924 and renamed ''Germaine L D''. In 1931 she was sold to Italy, being renamed ''Andrea'', being seized in 1940 and rename ...

'' was a 5,145 GRT cargo ship built in 1921 by Northumberland Shipbuilding Co Ltd, Sunderland. Originally named ''Eastney'', owned by Romney Steamship Co. Ltd., London. Sold in 1924 to L Dreyfus et Compagnie, France and renamed ''Germaine L-D''. sold in 1931 to Società Anonima di Navigazione Corrado, Genoa and renamed ''Andrea''. Seized off Newcastle upon Tyne in June 1940 and renamed ''Empire Adventure''. Sunk by ''U-138'' on 20 September 1940 off

Islay Islay ( ; gd, Ìle, sco, Ila) is the southernmost island of the Inner Hebrides of Scotland. Known as "The Queen of the Hebrides", it lies in Argyll just south west of Jura, Scotland, Jura and around north of the Northern Irish coast. The isl ...

''Empire Advocate''

Empire Advocate SS ''Empire Advocate'' was a 5,787 ton steamship which was built in 1913 as the ''Solfels''. She was taken as World War I reparations, war reparations in 1919 and renamed ''Bowes Castle'' in 1920. In 1932 she was sold to Italy, being renamed ' ...

'' was a 5,787 GRT cargo ship built in 1913 by

Joh. C. Tecklenborg Joh. C. Tecklenborg was a German shipbuilding company, located at the river Geeste in Bremerhaven. About 440 ships of different types, including many famous tall sailing ships were built at the yard. Founded in 1841 it was finally closed in 1928. ...

AG, Wesermünde. Originally named ''Solfels'', owned by Hansa Line, Bremen. Taken as a War prize in 1919, managed by H Hogarth & Sons. Sold in 1920 to Lancashire Shipping Co. Sold in 1932 to Achille Lauro & Co., Naples and renamed ''Angelina Lauro''. Seized in Liverpool 23 June 1940 and renamed ''Empire Advocate'', managed by Galbraith, Pembroke & Co., London. Scrapped at Bo'ness in 1945.

''Empire Aid''

''Empire Aid'' was a 479 GRT oceangoing tug built by

Clelands (Successors) Ltd Clelands Shipbuilding Company was a leading British shipbuilding company. The Company was based in Wallsend was nationalised by the British Government. It was founded in 1864 by John and Thomas Cleland, and operated until it was acquired by Swa ...

, Wallsend. Launched on 27 November 1943 and completed in April 1944. Managed by Overseas Towage & Salvage Co for MoWT. Sold in 1952 to Overseas Towage & Salvage Co and renamed ''Marinia''. Sold in 1954 to Kuwait Oil Co. Ltd and renamed ''Huda''. Sold in 1965 to H H Deeb, Kuwait. Scrapped in Basrah, Iraq in 1967.

''Empire Airman'' (I)

Empire Airman SS ''Empire Airman'' was the name of two ships during the Second World War. * was sunk by ''U-100'' in September 1940. * was launched in 1941 and became SS ''San Wenceslao'' in 1946. She was scrapped in 1959. {{DEFAULTSORT:Empire Airman Ship ...

'' was a 6,561 GRT cargo ship built in 1915 by

Stabilimento Tecnico Triestino Stabilimento Tecnico Triestino (STT) ("Technical Establishment of Trieste") was a private shipbuilding company based in Trieste from the mid-19th to early 20th century, and the most important naval shipbuilding firm of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. ...

, Trieste. Originally named ''Teodo'' and owned by the Italian Government Ministry of Transport. Passed to the Ministry of Marine in 1924 and renamed ''Barbana''. Sold in 1936 to Società Anonima di Navigazione Garibaldi, Genoa and renamed ''Barbana G''. Captured off Newcastle upon Tyne 10 June 1940. To MoWT, renamed ''Empire Airman''. Torpedoed and sunk by ''U-100'' on 21 September 1940 at approximately .

''Empire Airman'' (II)

was a 9,813 GRT

tanker Tanker may refer to: Transportation * Tanker, a tank crewman (US) * Tanker (ship), a ship designed to carry bulk liquids ** Chemical tanker, a type of tanker designed to transport chemicals in bulk ** Oil tanker, also known as a petroleum ta ...

built in 1942 by Sir J Laing & Sons Ltd, Sunderland. Managed by Eagle Oil Co. Sold in 1946 to Eagle Oil & Transport Co. and renamed ''San Wenceslao''. Scrapped in Hong Kong in 1959.

''Empire Albany''

Empire Albany ''Empire Albany'' was a 306-ton Coaster which was built in 1944. She was renamed ''Albany'' in 1946 and disappeared on a voyage between Port Talbot and Rosslare in 1946. History ''Empire Albany'' was built by Richards Ironworks Ltd, Lowesto ...

'' was a 306 GRT coaster built by Richards Ironworks Ltd.,

Lowestoft Lowestoft ( ) is a coastal town and civil parish in the East Suffolk district of Suffolk, England.OS Explorer Map OL40: The Broads: (1:25 000) : . As the most easterly UK settlement, it is north-east of London, north-east of Ipswich and sou ...

. Sold in 1946 to Mrs P Dowds, Ireland. Departed Port Talbot on 20 November 1946 for Rosslare but never arrived. Presumed to have foundered.

''Empire Albatross''

'' Empire Albatross'' was a 4,714 GRT cargo ship built in 1919 by Bethlehem Steel Corporation, Sparrows Point. Originally named ''Hoxie'' and operated by United States Shipping Board,

Baltimore Baltimore ( , locally: or ) is the most populous city in the U.S. state of Maryland, fourth most populous city in the Mid-Atlantic, and the 30th most populous city in the United States with a population of 585,708 in 2020. Baltimore was d ...

. Passed to United States Maritime Commission in 1937 and then to MoWT in 1940 and renamed ''Empire Albatross''. Managed by Sir W Reardon Smith & Sons and then by Dene Management Co. Sold in 1942 to the Belgian Government and renamed ''Belgian Fisherman'', managed by L Dens et Compagnie,

Antwerp Antwerp (; nl, Antwerpen ; french: Anvers ; es, Amberes) is the largest city in Belgium by area at and the capital of Antwerp Province in the Flemish Region. With a population of 520,504,

. Sold in 1946 to Compagnie Royale Belgique-Argentine SA and renamed ''Belgique''. Sold in 1950 to Hendrik Fisser AG,

Emden Emden () is an independent city and seaport in Lower Saxony in the northwest of Germany, on the river Ems. It is the main city of the region of East Frisia and, in 2011, had a total population of 51,528. History The exact founding date of E ...

and renamed ''Martha Hendrik Fisser''. Scrapped in Hamburg in 1958.

''Empire Albion''

Empire Albion An empire is a "political unit" made up of several territories and peoples, "usually created by conquest, and divided between a dominant center and subordinate peripheries". The center of the empire (sometimes referred to as the metropole) ex ...

'' was a 9,875 GRT cargo liner which was built by Caledon Shipbuilding & Engieering Co. Ltd., Dundee. Launched on 23 May 1944 and completed in September 1944 as ''Terbroch'' for the Netherlands Government. Sold in 1946 to Nederlands Amerikaansche Stoomboot Maatschappij, Rotterdam and renamed ''Eemdijk''. Sold in 1960 to Orient Mid-East Line and renamed ''Orient Merchant''. Ran aground in Lake Erie near Port Colborne, Ontario, Canada. Refloated on 8 May 1965, declared a constructive total loss. Sold to Compagnia Navigazione Labrador S.A., Panama and renamed ''Zambezi''. Arrived at Kaohsiung, Taiwan for breaking on 19 November 1967.

''Empire Alde''

Empire Alde ''Pelikan'' was a 3,264 ton German refrigerated cargo ship built in 1934. In 1945, during the Second World War, the United Kingdom seized her and renamed her ''Empire Alde''. She changed names twice more: back to ''Pelikan'' in 1946, and to ''Pac ...

'' was a 3,675 GRT refrigerated cargo ship built in 1934 by Bremer Vulkan Schiff- und Maschinenbau, Bremen. Originally named ''Pelikan'' and operated by F. Laeisz, Hamburg. To German Navy in 1940. Seized at

Brunsbüttel Brunsbüttel () is a town in the district of Dithmarschen, in Schleswig-Holstein, northern Germany that lies at the mouth of the Elbe river, near the North Sea. It is the location of the western entrance to the Kiel Canal. History The earliest re ...

in 1945. To MoWTin 1946 and renamed ''Empire Alde'', managed by Kaye, Sons & Co. Sold to Elders & Fyffes Ltd in 1946 and renamed ''Pelikan''. Renamed ''Pacuare'' in 1947 and scrapped at Troon in 1959.

''Empire Alderney''

Empire Alderney ''Empire Alderney'' was a 288-ton coastal tanker which was built in 1943. She was renamed ''Mil 50'' in 1946 and ''Max S'' in 1955. Her fate is unknown, last being registered in the Cayman Islands in 1980. History ''Empire Alderney'' was bu ...

'' was a 288 GRT coastal tanker built in 1944 by J Harker Ltd., Knottingley. Sold in 1946 to Norsk Tankanlaeg A/S, Norway and renamed ''MIL 50''. Sold in 1955 to Partenrederei Max S, Germany and renamed ''Max S''. Sold in 1958 to Marina Mercante Nicaragüense, Nicaragua.Sold in 1959 to Compagnia Maritima Mundial, Nicaragua. Sold in 1980 to Trafford Holdings Ltd.,

Cayman Islands The Cayman Islands () is a self-governing British Overseas Territory—the largest by population in the western Caribbean Sea. The territory comprises the three islands of Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman, which are located to the ...

''Empire Aldgate''

Empire Aldgate ''Empire Aldgate'' was a 3,485-ton, heavy-lift ship which was built in 1945. She was renamed ''Thackeray'' in 1948, ''Sugar Refiner'' in 1951, ''San Patricio'' in 1958, and ''San Miguel'' in 1965. She was abandoned by her owners in 1965 and sc ...

'' was a 3,485 GRT heavy lift ship built in 1945 by William Gray & Co. Ltd., West Hartlepool. Sold in 1946 to the Rodney Steamship Co., London and renamed ''Thackeray''. Sold in 1951 to Silvertown Services Ltd and renamed ''Sugar Refiner''. Sold in 1958 to Valck & Monkton, Valparaiso and renamed ''San Patrico''. Sold in 1962 to World Maritime Co., Liberia who sold her in 1965 to Altair Maritime Corporation, Liberia. Abandoned at Tarragona in 1965 and scrapped at Cartagena in 1967.

''Empire Alfred''

''Empire Alfred'' was a 242 GRT oceangoing tug built by J S Watson Ltd., Gainsborough. Launched on 5 September 1944 and completed in October 1944. Sold in 1946 to the French Government and renamed ''Muscle''. Sold in 1951 to Les Abeilles Compagnie des Remorquage Sauvignon, Le Havre and renamed ''Abeille No. 22''. Scrapped at Le Havre in June 1969.

''Empire Allenby''

Empire Allenby The ''Empire Allenby'' was a 9,904 ton cargo liner which was built in 1944. She was renamed ''Drakensberg Castle'' in 1946, and scrapped in 1959. History ''Empire Allenby'' was built by J L Thompson & Sons Ltd, Sunderland as yard number 633. S ...

'' was a 9,904 GRT cargo ship built by J L Thompson & Sons Ltd, Sunderland. Managed by Prince Line. Sold in 1946 to Union Castle Mail Steamship Co. Ltd. and renamed ''Drakensberg Castle''. Scrapped in Hong Kong in 1959.

''Empire Alliance''

Empire Alliance ''British Dragoon'' was a 9,909 ton tank ship, tanker which was built as ''Empire Alliance'' in 1943. She was renamed ''British Dragoon'' in 1945, and scrapped in 1962. History ''Empire Alliance'' was built by Sir James Laing & Sons Ltd, Sunder ...

'' was a 9,909 GRT tanker built in 1945 by Sir J Laing & Sons Ltd, Sunderland and managed by Anglo-Saxon Petroleum Co., London. Sold in 1945 to British Tanker Co and renamed ''British Dragoon''. Scrapped at

Blyth Blyth may refer to: People * Blyth (surname) * Blythe (given name) Places Australia * Blyth, South Australia, a small town Canada * Blyth, Ontario, a village United Kingdom * Blyth, Northumberland, a town ** Blyth Valley (UK Parliament ...

in 1962.

''Empire Almond''

Empire Almond ''Empire Almond'' was a cargo ship that was built in 1941. She was renamed ''Marquita'' in 1946, ''Marsland'' in 1951, ''Huta Zgoda'' in 1960 and ''MP-Zozie-12'' in 1969. She was scrapped in 1978. History ''Empire Almond'' was built by Taiko ...

'' was a 6,860 GRT cargo ship built in 1941 by Taikoo Dockyard & Engineering Co Ltd, Hong Kong and managed by W Runciman & Co. Ltd. Management passed to Coolham Steamship Co. Ltd. in 1943. Sold to Kaye, Son & Co., London in 1946 and renamed ''Marquita''. Renamed ''Marshland'' in 1951, sold in 1960 to Polish Steamship Company,

Szczecin Szczecin (, , german: Stettin ; sv, Stettin ; Latin: ''Sedinum'' or ''Stetinum'') is the capital and largest city of the West Pomeranian Voivodeship in northwestern Poland. Located near the Baltic Sea and the German border, it is a major s ...

and renamed ''Huta Zgoda''. Converted to a floating warehouse in 1969 and renamed ''MP-Zozie-12'' Scrapped at

Faslane His Majesty's Naval Base, Clyde (HMNB Clyde; also HMS ''Neptune''), primarily sited at Faslane on the Gare Loch, is one of three operating bases in the United Kingdom for the Royal Navy (the others being HMNB Devonport and HMNB Portsmouth). It ...

in 1978.

''Empire Amethyst''

Empire Amethyst ''Empire Amethyst'' was an 8,032-ton tanker which was built in 1941. She was torpedoed and sunk by on 13 April 1942. History ''Empire Amethyst'' was built by the Furness Shipbuilding Co Ltd, Haverton Hill-on-Tees as yard number 330. She was ...

'' was an 8,032 GRT tanker built in 1941 by

Furness Shipbuilding Ltd The Furness Shipbuilding Company was a shipyard, shipbuilding company in Haverton Hill, Stockton on Tees, England. It was established during the First World War and operated from 1917 until 1979. Establishment The yard was initially establishe ...

, Haverton Hill-on-Tees. Torpedoed and sunk by ''U-154'' on 13 April 1942 at .

''Empire Andrew''

''Empire Andrew'' was a 138 GRT estuary tug built by R Dunston Ltd., Thorne. Launched on 27 November 1943 and completed in February 1944. Sold in 1948 to the Polish Government and renamed ''Dzik''. On shipping registers until 1961 when relegated to port work only, scrapped at an unknown date.

''Empire Anglesey''

Empire Anglesey ''Abadan'' was a 288-ton coastal tanker which was built as ''Empire Anglesey'' in 1945. She was renamed ''Abadan'' in 1946 and ''Renee J'' in 1961. She served until 1969 when she was scrapped in Cork History ''Empire Anglesey'' was built by J H ...

'' was a 288 GRT coastal tanker built in 1945 by J Harker Ltd., Knottingley. Sold in 1946 to A/S Tankskibsrederiet,

Köpenhamn Copenhagen ( or .; da, København ) is the capital and most populous city of Denmark, with a proper population of around 815.000 in the last quarter of 2022; and some 1.370,000 in the urban area; and the wider Copenhagen metropolitan ar ...

, Denmark and renamed ''Abadan''. Sold in 1961 to Celtic Coasters Ltd., Dublin, Ireland and renamed ''Renee J''. Scrapped in Cork in 1969.

''Empire Ann''

''Empire Ann'' was a 232 GRT coastwise tug built in 1942 by A Hall & Co. Ltd., Aberdeen. Launched on 9 January 1943 and completed in April 1943. Sent to Malta during the Second World War. Sold in 1947 to United Steel Companies, Sheffield and operated by Workington Harbour & Dock Board, renamed ''Solway''. Arrived for scrapping at Fleetwood on 21 April 1977.

''Empire Annan''

Empire Annan ''Masuren'' was a 2,385 ton cargo ship which was built in 1935. She was seized by Britain in 1945 and renamed ''Empire Annan''. In 1950 she was renamed ''Thomas N Epiphaniades'' and then ''Helga Böge'' in 1952. In 1959, she was renamed ''Fuhlsb ...

'' was a 2,385 GRT cargo ship built in 1935 by Schichau F GmbH,

Elbląg Elbląg (; german: Elbing, Old Prussian: ''Elbings'') is a city in the Warmian-Masurian Voivodeship, Poland, located in the eastern edge of the Żuławy region with 117,390 inhabitants, as of December 2021. It is the capital of Elbląg County. ...

. Originally owned by Kohlen-Import & Poseidon Co., Königsberg and named ''Masuren''. Seized in 1945 at Copenhagen and renamed ''Empire Annan''. To United States Maritime Commission in 1947 and sold to Fanmaur Shipping & Trading Co.,

New York New York most commonly refers to: * New York City, the most populous city in the United States, located in the state of New York * New York (state), a state in the northeastern United States New York may also refer to: Film and television * '' ...

. Sold in 1950 to T N Ephianiades, Greece and renamed ''Thomas N Ephiphaniades''. Sold in 1952 to J Blumenthal, Hamburg and renamed ''Helga Boge''. Sold in 1960 to Koehn & Bohlmann Rederei, Hamburg and renamed ''Fuhlsbuttel''. Scrapped at Bremerhaven in 1964.

''Empire Antelope''

Empire Antelope ''Empire Antelope'' was a 4,782-ton cargo ship which was built as ''Ophis'' in 1919. She was renamed ''Bangu'' in 1928. In 1941 she was renamed ''Empire Antelope''. She was sunk by the German submarine ''U-402'' on 2 November 1942. History '' ...

'' was a 4,753 GRT cargo ship built in 1919 by

Todd Drydock and Construction Company The Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corporation (also operating as Todd Pacific) was an American corporation which built escort carriers, destroyers, cargo ships and auxiliaries for the United States Navy and merchant marine during World War II i ...

, Tacoma. Originally owned by United States Shipping Board and named ''Ophis''. Renamed ''Bangu'' in 1928. To United States Maritime Commission in 1937 and MoWT in 1941, renamed ''Empire Antelope''. Torpedoed and sunk by ''U-402'' on 2 February 1942 at .

''Empire Antigua''

Empire Antigua SS ''Culross'' was a 7,331 ton cargo ship which was built as ''Empire Antigua'' in 1945. She was renamed Culross in 1946. In 1960 she was renamed ''Akastos'', serving under a number of flags until 1968 when she was renamed ''Marina'', being scra ...

'' was a 7,331 GRT cargo ship built in 1946 by Shipbuilding Corporation Ltd, Newcastle upon Tyne. Managed by Dodd, Thompson & Co. Sold in 1946 to the South Georgia Co. and renamed ''Culross''. Laid up at Gairloch in 1958. Sold in 1960 to Navigazione y de Comercio Apolo Ltda, Lebanon and renamed ''Akastos''. Reflagged to Greece in 1961 and Cyprus in 1966. Sold in 1967 to Blue Cross Transocean Co., Athens. Renamed ''Marina'' in 1968 and scrapped in Hamburg.

''Empire Anvil''

Empire Anvil HMS ''Rocksand'' was an infantry landing ship in service with the Royal Navy during the late stages of the Second World War. She was launched in 1943 as ''Cape Argos'' and renamed ''Empire Anvil'' before being taken into Royal Navy service. Po ...

'' was a 7,177 GRT landing ship built in 1943 by the Consolidated Steel Corporation in Wilmington, California. Laid down as ''Cape Argos'' and completed as ''Empire Anvil''. To MoWT in 1944, managed by Furness, Withy & Co. To the Royal Navy in 1944 as HMS ''Rocksand''. Returned to MoWT in 1946 and renamed ''Empire Anvil'', again managed by Furness, Withy & Co. To United States Maritime Commission in 1947. Renamed ''Cape Argos'' in 1948. The proposed sale to China in 1948 was postponed and she was renamed ''Empire Anvil'' in 1950 and laid up in

James River The James River is a river in the U.S. state of Virginia that begins in the Appalachian Mountains and flows U.S. Geological Survey. National Hydrography Dataset high-resolution flowline dataThe National Map , accessed April 1, 2011 to Chesapea ...

, Virginia. Sold in 1960 to China Merchants Steam Navigation Co., Taiwan, and renamed ''Hai Ya''. Sold in 1973 to Yangming Marine Transport, Taiwan. Scrapped at

Keelung Keelung () or Jilong () (; Hokkien POJ: '), officially known as Keelung City, is a major port city situated in the northeastern part of Taiwan. The city is a part of the Taipei–Keelung metropolitan area, along with its neighbors, New Taipe ...

in 1974.

''Empire Archer''

Empire Archer ''Empire Archer'' was a 7,031 ton cargo ship which was built in 1942. She was renamed ''Baron Murray'' in 1946. In 1959 she was renamed ''Cathay'', serving until 1963 when she was scrapped. History Wartime ''Empire Archer'' was built by Cal ...

'' was a 7,031 GRT cargo ship built in 1942 by Caledon Shipbuilding & Engineering Company, Dunbar and managed by Raeburn & Verel Ltd. Sold in 1946 to H Hogarth & Sons, Glasgow and renamed ''Baron Murray''. Sold in 1959 to Cathay Shipping Corporation, Panama, and renamed ''Cathay''. Scrapped at Yokosuka in 1963.

''Empire Ardle''

Empire Ardle ''Indus'' was a 2,834 ton cargo ship which was built in Germany in 1945 and launched as ''Sasbeck''. She was seized uncompleted at Lübeck in 1946 and renamed ''Empire Ardle''. In 1947 she was renamed ''Lewis Hamilton'' and then in 1950 she was ...

'' was a 2,798 GRT cargo ship laid down by Flensburger Schiffbau-Gesellschaft,

Flensburg Flensburg (; Danish, Low Saxon: ''Flensborg''; North Frisian: ''Flansborj''; South Jutlandic: ''Flensborre'') is an independent town (''kreisfreie Stadt'') in the north of the German state of Schleswig-Holstein. Flensburg is the centre of the ...

as ''Sasbeck'' and seized uncompleted at Lübeck. To MoWT in 1946 as ''Empire Ardle''. Sold to Rodney Steamship Co., London in 1947 and renamed ''Lewis Hamilton''. Sold in 1950 to C H Abramsen,

Stockholm Stockholm () is the Capital city, capital and List of urban areas in Sweden by population, largest city of Sweden as well as the List of urban areas in the Nordic countries, largest urban area in Scandinavia. Approximately 980,000 people liv ...

and renamed ''Indus''. Sold in 1968 to C Hultstrom, Stockholm and then to Seabird Navigation Incorporated, Liberia, and renamed ''Falcon''. Sold in 1969 to Lilly Navigation Corporation, Panama and renamed ''Sea Falcon''. Sold to Seabird Navigation Incorporated in 1970, scrapped at

Avilés Avilés (; ) is a town in Asturias, Spain. Avilés is, along with Oviedo and Gijón, one of the main cities in the Principality of Asturias. The town occupies the flattest land in the municipality, partially in a land that belonged to the sea, ...

in 1971.

''Empire Ariel''

''Empire Ariel'' was a 129 GRT estuary tug built in 1942 by R Dunston Ltd., Thorne. Launched on 20 September 1942 and completed in November 1942. Sold in 1947 to Compagnie Rem. Les Tuyaux Bleus, Bordeaux and renamed ''Ariel''. Sold in 1951 to J Lasry & Sons,

Oran Oran ( ar, وَهران, Wahrān) is a major coastal city located in the north-west of Algeria. It is considered the second most important city of Algeria after the capital Algiers, due to its population and commercial, industrial, and cultural ...

and renamed ''Jolasry 5''. Sold in 1956 to D Tripcovich & Co., Italy, and renamed ''Velox''. Sold in 1976 to Marittima Farsoura, Italy, renamed ''Manuella F'' and converted to a barge.

''Empire Arnold''

'' Empire Arnold'' was a 7,045 GRT cargo ship built in 1942 by William Gray & Co Ltd, West Hartlepool. Managed by Sir R Ropner & Co. Torpedoed and sunk by ''U-155'' on 4 August 1942 at .

''Empire Arquebus''

Empire Arquebus HMS ''Cicero'' was an infantry landing ship in service with the Royal Navy during the late stages of the Second World War. Career Wartime She was built by Consolidated Steel Corporation, Wilmington, California as the ''Cape St Vincent'', an ...

'' was a 7,177 GRT landing ship laid down as ''Cape St Vincent'' for

United States War Shipping Administration The War Shipping Administration (WSA) was a World War II emergency war agency of the US government, tasked to purchase and operate the civilian shipping tonnage the United States needed for fighting the war. Both shipbuilding under the Maritime Co ...

and completed in 1944 by Consolidated Steel Corporation, Wilmington as ''Empire Arquebus''. Managed by Donaldson, Brothers and Black Ltd., To Royal Navy in 1944 and renamed HMS ''Cicero''. Returned to MoWT in 1945 and renamed ''Empire Arquebus'' under the management of Donaldson, Brothers and Black Ltd. To United States War Shipping Administration in 1946. Sold that year to Société Misr. de Navigatione Maritime, Egypt and converted to a passenger ship, renamed ''Al Sudan''. Sold in 1959 to

Egyptian Government The politics of Egypt are based on republicanism, with a semi-presidential system of government. The current political system was established following the 2013 Egyptian military coup d'état, and the takeover of President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi. ...

and then sold in 1961 to United Arab Maritime Co., United Arab Republic. Sold in 1973 to Egyptian Navigation Co., Egypt. Arrived in Suez in 1980 for scrapping but still extant in 1984.

''Empire Arrow''

was a 3,766 GRT intermediate tanker built in 1945 by J L Thompson & Sons, Sunderland. Sold in 1947 to British Tanker Co. and renamed ''British Bugler''. Sold in 1958 to Compagnie d'Armement Maritime, Djibouti and renamed ''Montmajour''. Sold in 1963 to Greek Tanker Shipping Co., Piraeus and renamed ''Mantinia''. Laid up in Piraeus in 1978, scrapped at Kynosoúra in 1981.

''Empire Arthur''

Empire Arthur SS ''Empire Arthur'' was a 784-ton coastal tanker which was built in 1942. She saw service mainly in British coastal waters during the Second World War, and was briefly used as an auxiliary, supporting Royal Navy operations off western Africa. ...

'' was a 780 GRT coastal tanker built in 1942 by

Grangemouth Grangemouth ( sco, Grangemooth; gd, Inbhir Ghrainnse, ) is a town in the Falkirk council area, Scotland. Historically part of the county of Stirlingshire, the town lies in the Forth Valley, on the banks of the Firth of Forth, east of Falkirk ...

Dockyard Co. Ltd. Capsized and sank off Freetown 22 November 1943 and declared a total loss. Salvaged in 1948 and repaired, becoming ''Merula'', owned by Ape Azionara Petroliere, Italy. Sold in 1951 to F T Everard & Sons and renamed ''Adherity''. Scrapped at Nieuw Lekkerkerk, Netherlands in 1962.

''Empire Arun''

Empire Arun ''Savoia'' was a 5,490 ton refrigerated cargo ship which was built in 1922. She was captured by the Royal Navy in 1941 and renamed ''Empire Arun''. In 1947 she was sold and renamed ''Granlake''. Further name changes were ''Dryad'' in 1949, ''Shi ...

'' was a 5,490 GRT cargo ship built in 1922 by Stabilimento Tecnico Triestino, Trieste. Originally owned by

Lloyd Triestino Lloyd Triestino was a major shipping company, created in 1919 when the city of Trieste became part of Italy in the settlement after the First World War. It ran passenger services on ocean liners around the world. Seriously harmed by Second Worl ...

and named ''Savoia''. Captured on 11 February 1941 by Royal Navy at

Kismayu Kismayo ( so, Kismaayo, Maay: ''Kismanyy'', ar, كيسمايو, ; it, Chisimaio) is a port city in the southern Lower Juba (Jubbada Hoose) province of Somalia. It is the commercial capital of the autonomous Jubaland region. The city is situa ...

, Italian Somaliland. To MoWT in 1942 and renamed ''Empire Arun'', managed by Union-Castle Mail Steamship Co. Sold in 1947 to Goulandris Bros., London and renamed ''Granlake''. Sold in 1949 to Compagnia Maritima del Este, Panama and renamed ''Dryad''. sold in 1951 to Hikari Kisen K.K., Tokyo and renamed ''Shiranesan Maru''. Sold in 1953 to Mitsi Kinkai Kisen K.K., Tokyo and then in 1955 to Hokuyo Suisan K.K., Tokyo. Sold in 1962 to Nichiro Gyogyo K.K., Tokyo and renamed ''Dainichi Maru''. Scrapped at Utsumi-Machi, Japan in 1969.

''Empire Ash''

Empire Ash ST ''Sea Alarm'' was a 263-ton tug which was built as ''Empire Ash'' in 1941 for the British Ministry of War Transport (MoWT). She was sold in 1947 and renamed ''Flying Fulmar''. She was sold in 1956 and renamed ''Sea Alarm''. On retirement in ...

'' was a 263 GRT oceangoing tug built in 1941 by

John Crown & Sons Ltd John Crown & Sons Ltd, was a British shipbuilding company founded in 1847 and based on the River Wear, Sunderland. History In its centenary year the shipyard was acquired by J.L. Thompson & Sons Ships built by John Crown & Sons Ltd See a ...

, Sunderland. Launched on 13 August 1941 and completed in October 1941. Sold in 1946 to Clyde Shipping Co Ltd and renamed ''Flying Fulmar''. sold in 1956 to C J King & Sons Ltd, Bristol and renamed ''Sea Alarm''. To Welsh Industrial and Maritime Museum in 1973, restored 1978. Scrapped upon the closure of the museum, but engine saved. Questions were asked by the Select committee on Welsh Affairs about the scrapping of the tug as there was public outcry at the time.

''Empire Asquith''

Empire Asquith ''Empire Asquith'' was a 7,082 ton cargo ship which was built in 1944. In 1947 she was sold and renamed ''Brockley Hill''. Further name changes were ''Starcrest'' in 1951, ''Argosy'' in 1957 and ''Nezihi Ipar'' in 1960. She was scrapped in 1970 ...

'' was a 7,082 GRT cargo ship built in 1944 by Shipbuilding Corporation Ltd, Newcastle upon Tyne. Managed by R Chapman & Son. Management passed to Counties Ship Management Ltd., London in 1946, and ''Empire Asquith'' was sold to them in 1947, renamed ''Brockley Hill''. Sold in 1951 to Crest Shipping Co., Nassau, and renamed ''Starcrest''. Sold in 1957 to Compagnia de Navigazione Phoenix, Panama and renamed ''Argosy'', flying the Liberian flag. Sold in 1958 to Codemar Compagnia de Empresas Maritimas, Panama. Sold in 1960 to Ipar Transport Co., Istanbul and renamed ''Nezihi Ipar''. Laid up in Istanbul in 1962 and scrapped there in 1970.

''Empire Athelstan''

Empire Athelstan ''Benalbanach'' was a 7,803 ton heavy lift cargo ship which was built in 1946 as ''Empire Athelstan''. In 1947 she was sold and renamed ''Benalbanach''. Further name changes were ''Camelot'' in 1965 and ''Dragon Castle'' in 1969. She was scrappe ...

'' was a 7,803 GRT heavy lift ship built in 1946 by Vickers-Armstrongs Ltd., Barrow in Furness and initially managed by P Henderson & Co. passing to Alfred Holt & Company later in 1946. Sold in 1947 to Ben Line Steamers and renamed ''Benalbanach''. To Ministry of Transport in 1965, managed by British India Steam Navigation Co. To

Board of Trade The Board of Trade is a British government body concerned with commerce and industry, currently within the Department for International Trade. Its full title is The Lords of the Committee of the Privy Council appointed for the consideration of ...

Sea Transport Branch in 1969 and then sold to Mercur Shipping Enterprise, Panama and renamed ''Dragon Castle''. Sold in 1975 to Cuatebol Shipping S.A., Panama. Scrapped at Split, Yugoslavia in 1975.

''Empire Atoll''

Empire Atoll ''Empire Atoll'' was a British 693 ton refrigerated coaster which was built to the order of Coast Lines Ltd. She was requisitioned by Ministry of War Transport, being returned to Coast Lines in 1946 and renamed ''Hadrian Coast''. She was sold t ...

'' was a 692 GRT refrigerated coaster built in 1941 by Ardrossan Dockyard Ltd, Ardrossan. The only refrigerated coaster built during the war. Capacity refrigerated cargo space. Launched on 12 July 1941 and completed in 1942. Sold in 1946 to Coast Lines Ltd., and renamed ''Hadrian Coast''. Sold in 1967 to E Davidou, Greece. Ran aground at Mehidia, Morocco on 10 January 1970 after suffering engine trouble and declared a total loss.

''Empire Attendant''

Empire Attendant ''Domala'' was an 8,441-ton cargo liner which was built in 1920 and launched as ''Magnava''. Following damage sustained in an air attack in 1940, she was rebuilt as a cargo ship and renamed ''Empire Attendant''. In 1942 she was torpedoed and su ...

'' was an 8,441 GRT passenger ship built in 1921 by Barclay, Curle & Co., Glasgow. Originally owned by British India Steam Navigation Co. and named ''Domala''. Beached in the Solent 2 February 1940 after being bombed and set on fire. Rebuilt as a cargo ship for MoWT and renamed ''Empire Attendant'', managed by Andrew Weir & Co Ltd (Bank Line). Torpedoed and sunk on 15 July 1942 by ''U-582'' at .

''Empire Audacity''

Empire Audacity HMS ''Audacity'' was a British escort carrier of the Second World War and the first of her kind to serve in the Royal Navy. She was originally the German merchant ship ''Hannover'', which the British captured in the West Indies in March 1940 a ...

'' was a 5,537 GRT cargo ship built in 1939 by Bremer Vulkan, Bremen. Originally named ''Hannover'' and owned by

North German Lloyd Line Norddeutscher Lloyd (NDL; North German Lloyd) was a German shipping company. It was founded by Hermann Henrich Meier and Eduard Crüsemann in Bremen on 20 February 1857. It developed into one of the most important German shipping companies of th ...

. Captured on 7 March 1940 by Royal Navy off

Dominica Dominica ( or ; Kalinago: ; french: Dominique; Dominican Creole French: ), officially the Commonwealth of Dominica, is an island country in the Caribbean. The capital, Roseau, is located on the western side of the island. It is geographically ...

. To MoWT, renamed ''Sinbad'', then ''Empire Audacity'', managed by

Cunard White Star Line Cunard-White Star Line, Ltd, was a British shipping line which existed between 1934 and 1949. History The company was created to control the joint shipping assets of the Cunard Line and the White Star Line after both companies experienced fin ...

. Converted to an escort aircraft carrier in 1941, to Royal Navy as . Torpedoed and sunk on 23 December 1941 by at .

''Empire Audrey''

''Empire Audrey'' was a 657 GRT coastal tanker built in 1943 by G Brown & Co Ltd,

Greenock Greenock (; sco, Greenock; gd, Grianaig, ) is a town and administrative centre in the Inverclyde council areas of Scotland, council area in Scotland, United Kingdom and a former burgh of barony, burgh within the Counties of Scotland, historic ...

. Launched on 23 February 1942 and completed in June 1943. Sold in 1946 to F T Everard & Sons Ltd., London, and renamed ''Audacity''. Grounded on 11 January 1967 near the Terschelling Bank Light Vessel, Netherlands (). Her bottom was damaged and she was flooded. Refloated on 21 January and towed to Harlingen where temporary repairs were carried out. Towed to Greenhithe, Kent 25 January. Sold for scrap at a later date. Scrapped in August 1969 at Boom, Belgium.

''Empire Austen''

Empire Austen ''Empire Austen'' was a 7,027 ton cargo ship which was built in 1942. She was renamed ''Frinton'' in 1949, ''Freecrest'' in 1951, ''Fairwater'' in 1955 and ''APJ Usha'' in 1961. She was scrapped in 1962. History ''Empire Austen'' was built by ...

'' was a 7,057 GRT cargo ship built in 1942 by Lithgows Ltd, Port Glasgow. Managed by Honeyman & Co until 1946 when management passed to Counties Ship Management (CSM). She was sold to CSM in 1949 and renamed ''Frinton''. Sold to Crest Shipping Co., Nassau in 1951 and renamed ''Freecrest''. Sold in 1955 to International Navigation Corporation, Liberia and renamed ''Fairwater''. Sold in 1961 to Surrendra Private Ltd., Calcutta and renamed ''APJ Usha''. Scrapped in India 1961.

''Empire Avocet''

Empire Avocet ''Cotati'' was a Steamboat, steam cargo ship built in 1918–1919 by Moore Shipbuilding and Drydock Company of Oakland, California, Oakland for the United States Shipping Board (USSB) as part of the wartime shipbuilding program of the Emergency F ...

'' was a 5,963 GRT refrigerated cargo ship built in 1919 by the Moore Shipbuilding Co.,

Oakland Oakland is the largest city and the county seat of Alameda County, California, United States. A major West Coast port, Oakland is the largest city in the East Bay region of the San Francisco Bay Area, the third largest city overall in the Bay A ...

. Originally owned by United States Shipping Board and named ''Cotati''. To United States Maritime Commission in 1937 and MoWT in 1942, managed by New Zealand Shipping Co. Torpedoed and sunk on 29 September 1942 by ''U 125'' at .

''Empire Ayr''

Empire Ayr ''Dmitry Donskoy'' was a 5,061-ton German cargo ship which was built in 1943 as ''Eberhart Essberger''. Taken as a British prize (law), war prize in 1945, she was renamed ''Empire Ayr''. She was allocated to the Soviet Union in 1946 and served u ...

'' was a 5,064 GRT cargo ship built in 1943 by Öresundsvarvet, Landskrona. Originally owned by J T Essberger, Hamburg and named ''Eberhart Essberger''. Seized at Kiel in 1945, to MoWT, renamed ''Empire Ayr''. Sold to USSR 1946 and renamed ''Dmitry Donskoy''. Scrapped in USSR 1974.

References

Sources

* {{Empire ships A