 At the time, she was the largest ship ever built at Low Walker Yard.After successful completion of sea trials on 19 September 1901, during which the ship was able to maintain an average speed of over several runs on the measured mile on the Tyne in very unfavorable weather, she was transferred to her owners and immediately departed for New Orleans.The vessel was constructed for general cargo trade, and had an iron shelter deck built over the whole length of the ship, good for about 1,100 heads of cattle.