The SS Taormina was a significant early 20th-century transatlantic ocean liner built in Glasgow by D. and W. Henderson and Company, launched on 15 February 1907 and completed in 1908. She served primarily under the Italian shipping lines, initially owned by Italia Società di Navigazione a Vapore (Italia Line), and later operated by Lloyd Italiano and Navigazione Generale Italiana (NGI). The vessel was constructed to facilitate passenger and cargo service across the Atlantic, with notable dimensions including a registered length of 482.0 feet (146.9 meters), a beam of 58.3 feet (17.8 meters), and a depth of 34.2 feet (10.4 meters). Her tonnage was 8,928 GRT and 5,106 NRT. Taormina's propulsion system comprised twin screws driven by three-cylinder triple-expansion engines, producing a combined power rated at 1,178 NHP, which enabled her to reach a maximum speed of approximately 16 knots. Passenger accommodations included berths for 60 first-class passengers initially, later increased to 120 first class and 120 second class after 1910, reflecting her evolving service needs. Her maiden voyage commenced on 3 September 1908 from Genoa to Philadelphia via Naples and New York. She operated primarily on routes between Italy and North America, with her route alterations reflecting her changing ownership. By 1913, she was equipped with wireless telegraphy, initially using the call sign MOT, later changed to IYT in 1914. In 1918, during World War I, Taormina was chartered by the U.S. Government as a troop ship, carrying 2,680 military personnel from the United States to France. She departed in convoy from Newport News on 26 July 1918 and arrived at Brest, France, on 7 August, returning to the U.S. on 20 August, marking her only voyage in military service. Post-war, she was transferred to NGI and resumed passenger service between Genoa and New York, including routes via Marseille. After being laid up from 1923 to 1927, she made one final voyage to New York before being scrapped at Savona in 1929. Her historical significance includes her role in transatlantic migration and wartime service, exemplifying early 20th-century ocean liner design and operation. Notably, she transported notable passengers such as Vito Genovese, the future crime boss of the Genovese Crime Family, who arrived in New York in 1913.

This description has been generated using GPT-4.1-NANO based on the Vessel's wikidata information and then modified by ShipIndex.org staff.