In 1960 Lloyd Triestino ordered two new ‘Galileo class liners’ to be built by Cant Riuniti dell Adriatico at Monfalcone. The two new innovative ships were built to replace the three handsome ‘Australia class liners’, the 13,226 RGT Australia, Neptunia and Oceania. Lloyd Triestino had been operating services to Australia for ten years and the two new ships would make their mark in shipping history as they were revolutionary ships for their day.

The Galileo was launched on 2 July 1961, departing on its maiden voyage from Genoa to Australia on 22 April 1963, arriving in Sydney on the 15 May. Marconi was launched on 24 September 1961 and departed on its maiden voyage on 18 November 1963, arriving in Sydney 11 December. Both ships with their increased speed, reduced a month long voyage to just twenty three days. These two streamlined liners introduced new standards of luxury to immigrant travel.
2… Guglielmo Marconi
Lloyd Triestino - Guglielmo Marconi – 1963 to 1983
Costa Cruises Cruise Ship – Costa Riviera – 1983 to 2001 (scrapped 2002)

Specifications – Galileo & Marconi

Builders: Cant Riuniti dell Adriatico, Monfalcone, Trieste

Launched: Galileo July 2, 1961 – Marconi September 24, 1961

Maiden Voyage: Galileo April 22, 1963 – Marconi November 18, 1963

Tonnage: 27,906 – 27,905 GRT

Length: 702ft, 213.9m

Width: 93.8ft, 28.8m

Draught: 28ft, 8.53m

Engines: Steam, D.R. geared turbines, twin screw.

Service Speed: 24 knots (Max 27.4)

Passengers: 100 first class + 200 interchangeable – 1,400 Tourist

Both ships sailed successfully for over seven years; however the world oil crisis of the 70’s had an impact of all shipping. In the early 70’s the Galileo would undertake a Christmas cruise, mostly Trans Tasman. With lowering passenger numbers and rising costs, both ships encountered a variety of problems. Galileo was due to go on a cruise in December 1973, but was cancelled and the ship lay idle in Sydney until 3 January 1974. Then on 13 January 1975, Galileo struck a reef off the coast of West Africa and had to be diverted to Monrovia. With substantial damage to the hull plating, Galileo returned to Genoa where she was dry-docked for repairs. She returned to service in March.

Due to the declining numbers and heavy losses incurred, it was decided to withdraw the Marconi from the Australian service. She arrived in Sydney on 20 November 1974 departed from Australia shores for the last time on 23 November. The Galileo carried on the Australian service and was expected to continue until the end of 1977. However, her departure from Genoa on 23 may 1977 was suddenly cancelled, leaving some 1,000 passengers stranded. There would be no send off from Australia for the Galileo. She quietly departed from Sydney on 13 April 1977. After fourteen years of fine service, both Italian maritime favourites left Australian and New Zealand shores forever.