Shipping lines on both sides of the conflict lost ships during World War II, with many sunk by enemy action or seized as war prizes. Consequently, the post-war era saw companies rebuilding their fleets. The Italian Line was no exception, also taking the opportunity to introduce modern vessels.
Since Italy was one of the Axis powers, Italian Line ships such as the 1932-built Rex and Conte di Savoia, which were mostly laid up from 1940, became wartime targets. Both these ships were eventually sunk by the Allies, although Conte di Savoia was salvaged and rebuilt.
In contrast to the pre-war ships, the line’s new postwar ships began with , which was launched in May 1950, followed by in November 1950. A few years later national pride saw its (29,083gt) and sister ship (29,191gt), being completed.
