SANTA TERESA miniature model
Datelate 1940s - 2010
Object number00055681
NameModel
MediumComposite metal
ClassificationsModels
Credit LineAustralian National Maritime Museum Collection Gift of Mr Achim Drescher
DescriptionThe SANTA TERESA (1953) was one of Hamburg Sud's last combined cargo and passenger ships. At 8,996 gross registered tonnage, the SANTA TERESA could accommodate up to 28 passengers in first class cabins, and featured luxury mahogany lounges.
This model is part of a collection of Hamburg Sud model ships representing the German shipping company’s vast influence on the cargo and container line industry throughout the 20th and 21st century. They depict the technological innovations in container vessels and portside infrastructure in miniature.
HistoryLaunched in 1953 in West Germany the SANTA INES and SANTA TERESA were the last combined cargo and passenger ships of Hamburg Sud. Elegant and modern, they could hold up to 28 passengers in first class cabins. The design of the vessels allowed for optimal comfort, an extended aft end section freeing up space for mahogany lounges. Both the SANTA TERESA and SANTA INES had 8,996 gross registered tonnage, exceeding their predecessors by approximately 2000 gross registered tonnage. Sold to Pakistan in 1961 and renamedOCEAN ENERGY.
Hamburg Sud was established in 1871 as a public shipping company to operate a regular cargo, and passenger line, service between Europe and South America. Throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries Hamburg Sud employed steamships, such as the CAP FRIO, for heightened emigrant traffic to South America, whilst also becoming intrinsically important to the Brazilian economy via the exportation of coffee.
Following WWI, in accordance with the Treaty of Versailles, Hamburg Sud lost all of its ships. During the interwar years Hamburg Sud received considerable support from the German Government to rebuild its fleet, taking a particular focus on its passenger line of vessel - such as the opulent CAP ARCONA (1929). At the outbreak of WWII Hamburg Sud had its largest fleet to date, with 52 ocean going ships and 114 auxiliary vessels, most of these vessels requisitioned in 1940 by the German government.
The 1950s saw the development of the influential Cap Class, purpose built to transport refrigerated goods and vehicles to South American ports. This period further saw the establishment of Hamburg Sud's global tanker branch, RUDOLF A. OETKER (RAO) and the end of Hamburg Sud's exclusively passenger vessels with the SANTA TERESA and SANTA INES (1953). In 1959 Hamburg Sud launched its Columbus Line servicing the west coast of North America and Australia/New Zealand.SignificanceThese Hamburg Sud delicate diecast miniatures have significance as a case study of cargo ship typology and in evocation of stories of shipping, commodities - Hamburg Sud started as a food company and retains this interest in new initiatives - and port infrastructure. There is the enticement of the world in miniature, ship models, and the interest of the maker’s movement.
late 1940s - 2010