 Soon after completion, James Moss & Co. chartered the "Meander" with both her sisterships to the French Government for use as troopships in the Crimean War.She was renamed "Meandre" and returned after the 
Crimean War ended in February 1856.She was purchased by Bibby Line the following year and reverted to her original name, although she was still referred to by the French and Lloyds Register as the "Meandre".