The Type C4 ships were the largest cargo ships built by the United States Maritime Commission (MARCOM) during World War II. The design was originally developed for the American-Hawaiian Lines in 1941, but in late 1941 the plans were taken over by the MARCOM.

Seventy-five ships were built as cargo and troopships in three shipyards: Kaiser Richmond, CA (35 ships), Kaiser Vancouver, WA (20 ships) and Sun SB & DD in Chester PA (20 ships). All ships were capable of 17 knots, driven by a single screw steam turbine generating 9,900 shp

Among the variations of the design were the Haven class hospital ship.

See also

• Type C1 ship
• Type C2 ship
• Type C3 ship
• T2 tanker
• Liberty ship
• Victory ship
• Hog Islander

References

• American Merchant Marine at War
• US Maritime Commission Details and Outboard Profiles of Maritime Commission Vessels, The C4 Cargo Ship, Conversions and Subdesigns
• US Maritime Commission overview
• US Maritime Commission - Technical Specifications for Ships including definitions of terms
• From America to United States: The History of the long-range Merchant Shipbuilding Programme of the United States Maritime Commission, by L.A. Sawyer and W.H. Mitchell. London, 1981, World Ship Society
• Ships for Victory: A History of Shipbuilding under the U.S. Maritime Commission in World War II, by Frederic C. Lane ISBN 0-8018-6752-5