The Doulos, a vessel with a rich and varied past, holds the distinction of being one of the world's longest-serving ocean-going passenger ships. From its beginnings as a humble cargo freighter to its renowned role as a floating book exhibition and, finally, a stationary hotel, its history spans over a century of transformations and global voyages.
Early Beginnings: SS Medina (1914-1948)
The ship's journey began over a hundred years ago as a humble cargo vessel.
- Construction: The Doulos was originally a freighter, designated Hull number 176. It was meticulously constructed at the Newport News Dockyard in the state of Virginia, USA.
- Launch and Christening: The ship was launched on August 22, 1914, at the cusp of World War I, and christened the SS Medina.
- Initial Purpose: In its early life, the SS Medina served primarily as a cargo ship, playing a vital role in transporting essential goods. Its main route involved carrying fruit and vegetables from Galveston, Texas, to the bustling markets of New York.
- Wartime Service: During both World War I and World War II, the SS Medina was pressed into service, contributing to the war efforts as a troop transport ship, a testament to its robust construction and reliability.
Italian Passenger Ship: Francesco Morosini / Roma (1948-1977)
After decades as a freighter and wartime transport, the vessel underwent its first major transformation, becoming a passenger liner.
- Acquisition and Conversion: In 1948, the ship was acquired by the renowned Costa Line of Italy. It underwent extensive refurbishment and was meticulously converted into a passenger vessel, marking a significant shift in its operational purpose.
- Renaming: It was initially renamed Francesco Morosini and later became known as Roma.
- Passenger Service: As the Roma, it plied the trans-Atlantic routes, primarily serving passengers traveling between Italy and South America, connecting continents and cultures through sea travel.
Mission Ship: MV Doulos (1977-2009)
Perhaps its most widely recognized role, the ship's acquisition by GBA Ships (Good Books for All), an arm of OM Ships International, marked the beginning of its humanitarian and educational mission.
- Acquisition and Renaming: In 1977, the vessel was purchased by GBA Ships and renamed Doulos, a Greek word meaning "servant," aptly reflecting its new mission.
- Floating Book Exhibition: The MV Doulos was transformed into a unique floating book fair and training vessel. Its holds, once filled with cargo, were converted into extensive bookstores, offering millions of affordable books to people in developing nations and remote areas.
- Global Reach: Over its 32 years of service with OM Ships, the Doulos visited more than 100 countries and docked in over 600 ports worldwide. It welcomed millions of visitors onboard, becoming a global symbol of literacy, education, and international understanding.
- Educational Impact: Beyond books, the Doulos fostered cross-cultural exchange and provided practical training for its international volunteer crew, promoting literacy, education, and humanitarian aid.
- Record Breaker: For a significant period, the Doulos held the Guinness World Record as the world's oldest active ocean-going passenger ship, a testament to its enduring legacy and meticulous maintenance.
Retirement and Current Use: Doulos Phos (2010-Present)
After decades of impactful service, the Doulos eventually retired from its active missionary role.
- Retirement: Facing increasingly stringent maritime regulations and the escalating costs of maintaining an aging vessel, the MV Doulos concluded its active service at the end of 2009, making its final public port visit in Singapore.
- Sale and Conversion: In 2010, the ship was sold to a Singaporean company. It underwent another significant conversion, this time transforming into a stationary hotel ship.
- Current Role: Now known as Doulos Phos, the ship is permanently moored in Bintan, Indonesia, where it serves as a unique hotel and attraction, allowing guests to experience a piece of maritime history.
Key Milestones in Doulos's History
| Period | Name | Primary Role | Key Events / Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1914-1948 | SS Medina | Cargo Freighter / Troop Transport | Built in USA, transported fruit/vegetables. Served in WWI and WWII. |
| 1948-1977 | Francesco Morosini / Roma | Passenger Ship | Acquired by Costa Line, converted to passenger liner, served Italy-South America routes. |
| 1977-2009 | MV Doulos | Floating Book Fair / Training Vessel | Acquired by GBA Ships, visited over 100 countries, became oldest active ocean-going passenger ship. |
| 2010-Present | Doulos Phos | Stationary Hotel Ship | Retired from active service due to regulations/costs, sold and converted into a permanent hotel in Bintan, Indonesia. |
The journey of the Doulos exemplifies adaptability and resilience, evolving from a workhorse freighter to a global symbol of education and, finally, a unique hospitality venue, leaving an indelible mark on maritime and humanitarian history.
