Cybercaptain: Cap San Diego

Sunday, March 11, 2018

Cap San Diego

Having been invited to Doehle offices for an event I also took the advantage to visit Cap San Diego that is a museum ship sitting in Hamburg most of the time. What is special about her is that she is still in Class and does short cruises along the German coast in summertime depending on how their funds last. She is mostly kept ship shape by enthusiasts and pensioned seafarers.

Cap San Diego

(courtesy of FB group Ships general arrangement plans)

These ships were called White Swans of the South Atlantic as they traded generally between Germany and South America. There was 6 of them altogether commissioned and Cap San Diego was launched in 1961. They are considered the pinnacle of German ship design before the container ship era set in and the focus was set on building modern box ships. When she is in port she is operating as a hotel and museum and that is how I visited her. Most areas were open for viewing including bridge and engine room. I also managed to change a few words with the crew onboard. Like with all old ships the main concern was the scarcity of spares and the need to upgrade her to maintain Class.

General arrangement plan

(courtesy of FB group Ships general arrangement plans)

General characteristics

Type: Freighter

Tonnage: 9,998 GT, 5,728 NT

Displacement: 17,470 tons fully loaded

Length: 159.40 m (523.0 ft)

Bea: m21.47 m (70.4 ft)

Installed power: 11,600 hp (8,700 kW)

Propulsion: MAN two-stroke 9 cylinder diesel engine

Speed: 20.3 knots (37.6 km/h; 23.4 mph)

Cargo capacity: 10,000 dwt

Guest cabin open for viewing

I started the tour and looked at most inside, as it was a cool January day I now realize I should've taken more pictures outside. All in all a great visit, see the pictures below about her condition, seems her Owners, the Hamburg Admiralty, are taking good care of her and the crew seemed proud to be a part of her today.