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LEVENSAU - IMO 5207251
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On 2nd July 1963, sixty years ago today, Bugsier Reederei u.Bergungs A.G. of Hamburg's LEVENSAU passed Portishead inbound for Bristol's City Docks. A regular visitor to British ports, here she is seen on 2nd June 1956 departing from Eastham.
She was ordered in 1942 from Kremer Sohn, Elmshorn (Yard No. 839) as KILWA for Deutsche Afrika-Linien GmbH but building was transferred to Svendborg (Yard No. 48) and launched in December 1942 as SPERRBRECHER 190 for the German Navy. The hull was still incomplete in 1944 when it was sunk by sabotage.
The hull was raised in 1945, rebuilt by Lübecker Flenderwerke and between 1948 to 1950 used as a floating hotel in Travemünde. In 1950, she was bought back by Deutsche Afrika-Linien and, it is understood, chartered to Bugsier until purchased in 1955 and renamed LEVENSAU.
Gerd Fiebiger has kindly clarified as follows:
KILWA, although painted in DAL colours while used as a hotel, was owned by the United States government until 20.08.1953 and consequently had the letters/numbers US33 painted on her bow, also from 1950 until that date.
KILWA was only chartered, not owned, by Deutsche Afrikanische Schiffs GmbH (DAL/ Essberger), it seems with an immediate sub-charter to Bugsier, in the colours of which company she was photographed in 1950.
On arrival at Bremerhaven on 25 November 1966, she was sold to local breakers.
Scanned from a negative by Dr.George Wilson
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General cargo ships built 1950-1959 (Under 3000gt) - 1 photos
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KILWA, , built 1942. 1944 sunk by sabotage at Svendborg, 1945 raised, 1948 floating hotel in Travemünde, 1950 bought back by DAL, Bugsie-charter, ...
I have asked a German friend if he has any comments or corrections and on his reply will, if necessary, amend my caption accordingly
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KILWA während des Krieges nach Dänemark verlagert mit geplanter Fertigstellung zum Januar 1943. Das Schiff befindet sich seit 20.3 1943 im Umbau zum "Sperrbrecher 190"/8 Spbr. fast. of the Kriegsmarine.
KILWA was moved to Denmark during the war with scheduled completion in January 1943 but from March 20, 1943, the ship was undergoing conversion as SPERRBRECHER 190/8 for the Kriegsmarine
19.12.1943 durch Sabotage (Sprengung) auf der Werft versenkt, 20.1 1944 geborgen. 4.3 1944 Motorenanlage zerstört.
19.12.1943 sunk by sabotage (explosion) at the shipyard, 20.1 1944 salvaged. 4.3 1944 engine destroyed.
nach anderer Quelle 7.11.1944 in Svendborg nochmals durch Sabotage beschädigt oder gesunken; wird noch vor Kriegsende nach Deutschland geschleppt und unfertig i. D. 1.2.1945 in Travemünde.
According to another source November 7th, 1944 in Svendborg again damaged by sabotage or sunk; towed to Germany before the end of the war and unfinished by February 1, 1945 in Travemünde.
8.5.1945 in Wilhelmshaven englische Beute und weiter an die USA. Weitergabe an GMSA/Depotschiff,
4.12.1947 über OMGUS an die DAL verchartert und Hotelschiff in Travemünde (U Bremer Vulkan).
5/08/1945 in Wilhelmshaven taken by the English and passed on to the USA for use as a GMSA/depot ship
4/12/1947 chartered to DAL via OMGUS and used as a hotel ship in Travemünde (U Bremer Vulkan).
1950 U und Fertigstellung zum Frachtschiff KR DAL GmbH, Hamburg (DEU). 20.8.1953 Rückgabe durch die USA an die BRD und weiter an John T. Essberger. 1.1.1954 Eigentumsrechte rückübertragen und (KR Bugsier‑, Reederei‑ & Bergungs AG). (17.1 1955) "Levensau" wie KR, Hamburg.
1950 completed as cargo ship for KR DAL GmbH, Hamburg (DEU).
8/20/1953 Returned by the USA to the FRG and on to John T. Essberger.
1.1.1954 Property rights reassigned and (KR Bugsier‑, Reederei‑ & Bergungs AG).
(17.1.1955) "Levensau" like KR, Hamburg.
Oktober 1966 verkauft zum Abbruch an die Eisen & Metall AG. 25.11.1966 an Bremerhaven zum Abbruch.
October 1966 sold to Eisen & Metall AG to be demolished. 11/25/1966 to Bremerhaven for demolition.
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1. GMSA = German Minesweeping Administration (08.05.1945 until 31.12.1947). This was set up by the Allied forces with ships (mostly mine sweepers) and soldiers from former German Kriegsmarine to sweep the sea mines in German coastal waters, controlled by British forces.
2. OMGUS = Office of Military Government for Germany (established by the United States and operating in the American Zone (Bremen and Bremerhaven harbours) until 05.12.1949
3. K.R. Korrespondenz Reeder ( i.e. Manager)
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