S.S. SHAH was a Great Lakes bulk freighter constructed in 1957, built as the brother ship to the renowned Carl D. Bradley, which at the time held the title of the largest vessel on the inland seas. Designed with the same attention to strength and precision as his famous sibling, the S.S. SHAH featured a long, powerful hull, immense cargo holds, and a state-of-the-art propulsion system for his era. Driven by advanced diesel engines, he could reach a top speed of 18 knots (approximately 9 miles per hour) — an impressive figure for such a massive vessel.
When publicly launched in 1958, the S.S. SHAH became a symbol of modern shipbuilding on the Great Lakes, earning the distinction of being the second-largest lake freighter in existence, just behind the Carl D. Bradley himself. Built to handle the demanding conditions of the inland seas, he was used primarily for hauling bulk materials such as iron ore, coal, and limestone between the major industrial ports of North America.
Known among crews for his powerful engines and remarkable stability, the S.S. SHAH soon earned a reputation as one of the most dependable freighters of his time. His massive frame cut through the waters with authority, embodying the pride and determination of the men who worked aboard him. Through years of service, the S.S. SHAH stood not just as a vessel of steel and rivets, but as a lasting reminder of the golden age of Great Lakes shipping — a brother in legacy to the mighty Carl D. Bradley, and a proud monument to mid-century maritime engineering.
