SS Maryland (1913)
SS Maryland was a steam cargo and transport ship of the Atlantic Transport Line. She served as a troop ship and animal transport for the Allies during World War I.
Construction
Maryland was built for Atlantic Transport Line service prior to the outbreak of World War I. She was ordered 1 July 1911, with her hull built by Mackie & Thomson, and was launched on 4 September 1913 from the Govan shipbuilding yard on the River Clyde in Glasgow. She arrived in tow at Belfast for fitting out by Harland & Wolff on 14 September 1913, where she was registered on 28 October, and delivered 1 November 1913.While under construction, the vessel was under the supervision of Captain Tubb, marine superintendent, and Mr. B. P. Fielden, superintendent engineer of the Atlantic Transport Line.
Maryland, a 2-mast single-screw steamer, was built to Board of Trade survey standards and Harland & Wolff standard practice at the time, including a double bottom hull with water-tight bulkheads extending all the way to the upper deck. She had five steel decks and capacity for large cargo, with 16 derricks each capable of lifting five tons, 10 double purchase winches, a warping winch, and a steam windlass. Steering gear was standard Harland & Wolff type. There were contemporary accommodations for captain, officers, and crew, and the ship was fully fitted for electric lights, Marconi wireless telegraphy, and submarine signaling apparatus.
After undergoing successful trials, the ship was delivered on 1 November 1913, and proceeded to London to begin service under the command of Captain S. W. Watkins.