The symbolic name of “Liberty” was given to a class of cargo ship of about 10,000 tons which was originally conceived in Great Britain and massively produced in the United States in order to cover the increased transportation needs of the Allied forces, following the enormous losses caused by enemy action. Over 2,720 of these ships were built in the U.S. over the course of four years. A production rate that could not be matched even with today’s advanced technology.

A Liberty ship is a single-screw, full scantling type, with raked stem and cruiser stern. Liberties were built at 18 U.S. shipyards. There were 14 engine makers and 9 boiler makers. It is a dry cargo vessel, tween decker with accommodation and engine amidships with 5 holds/hatchers and 10 derricks, 5 tons each and steam winches.

They had 2 oil-fired water-tube boilers and one triple expansion steam reciprocating engine, 2,500 horsepower (1,800 kW), enabling a speed of about 10 knots on around 25 tons per day fuel.