The Last Ocean Liners

Holland Africa Line

Oranjefontein / Jagersfontein / Randfontein

 

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With it's origin traced back to the Nederlandsche Zuid-Africaansche Scheepvaart Maatschappij (NZASM), which began regular passenger service in 1920, the Holland Africa Line became a major Dutch shipping service that operated passenger cargo liners connecting European hubs like Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Hamburg, and Antwerp with ports across South and East Africa.

After World War II, the line became famous for its fine motor ships Oranjefontein and Jagersfontein. A third sister, Klipfontein, sank off Mozambique in 1953 after collision with an uncharted reef. It was soon replaced by the new, improved Randfontein.

The ships were highly regarded for comfortable staterooms, intimate lounges and bars, top-notch Dutch service and notable cuisine. The interiors resembled the larger passenger liners, but without the crowd. First class was forward and Tourist was aft, with bars and lounges and a dining room for each class.

Over half of First class cabins on Oranjefontein and Jagersfontein and all First class cabins on Randfontein had private facilities. Tourist class had shared facilities. Each ship had a swimming pool for First class and the newer ship had another one for Tourist class.

By the mid-1960s there were more efficient cargo handling methods and container ships were quickly replacing the older ships. Passengers left for cheaper, faster travel on jet aircraft and by 1971, Holland Africa Line ended all their passenger cargo liner services. Randfontein was sold to Royal Interocean Lines for their Australia - Far East service.

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Sample minimum one-way fares from Amsterdam to Lourenco Marques: First class $543; Tourist class $400; All fares are per person in U.S. dollars as published in 1968.

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Go to Holland Africa Line 1966 sailing schedules or select by ship below:

Oranjefontein Holland Africa Line Built: 1940 by Smit Jr, Rotterdam, Holland Gross tons: 10544 Length: 527ft (161m) Beam: 63ft (19m) Draft: 30ft (9m) Propulsion: Diesel twin screw Power: 11800 bhp Service speed: 17kn Passengers: 100 First 60 Tourist End of service: Scrapped 1967 Go to 1966 sailing schedules for this ship.

Jagersfontein Holland Africa Line Built: 1950 by Schichau, Danzig, Poland Gross tons: 10574 Length: 528ft (161m) Beam: 63ft (19m) Draft: 30ft (9m) Propulsion: Diesel twin screw Power: 11800 bhp Service speed: 17kn Passengers: 100 First 60 Tourist End of service: Scrapped 1967 Go to 1966 sailing schedules for this ship.

Randfontein Holland Africa Line Built: 1958 by Wilton-Fijenoord, Schiedam, Holland Gross tons: 13694 Length: 585ft (178m) Beam: 70ft (21m) Draft: 30ft (9m) Propulsion: Diesel twin screw Power: 15400 bhp Service speed: 18kn Passengers: 123 First 166 Tourist End of service: Sold 1971 as Nieuw Holland then Yu Hua then Hai Xing; scrapped 1996 Go to 1966 sailing schedules for this ship.