Type C2 ships were designed by the United States Maritime Commission (MARCOM) in 1937-38. They were all-purpose cargo ships with five holds, and U.S. shipyards built 173 of them from 1939-1945. Compared to ships built before 1939, the C2's were remarkable for their speed and fuel economy. Their design speed was 15.5 knots, but some could make 19 knots on occasion. The first C2's were 459 feet long, 63 feet broad, and 40 feet deep, with a 25 foot draft. Later ships varied somewhat in size.... read more...