Interesting. Found this info supporting the use of FerroCement ships. Liberty ships were not identified. Barges were.
Interest was renewed during WW2 once again as a way of dealing with shortages of the more traditional materials. In 1942 the US government commissioned the building of 24 self-propelled ferrocement ships as well as large “ship” barges which although much larger than conventional barges were still towed by tugs.
These barges played an important role in the war taking part in many operations included the Normandy D-Day landings. Here the barges functioned as floating blockades and carried ammunition and fuel.
Photograph of the SS Faith, the first ship built of concrete in the United States, soon after launch in 1918.
They were also deployed in the South Pacific. Here they were kitted out as refrigerated canteen barges. They provided food for the soldiers including fr0zen meats and fresh poultry. They even offered much-welcomed treats such as ice cream.
After the war
After the war there was little further development or building with ferrocement. Many of the ships were scrapped or used as breakwaters. However, thanks to the efforts of hobbyists and enthusiasts many examples have been restored and preserved and can still be seen today at various locations across the globe.
There is even an annual national concrete canoe building competition organized by the American Society of Civil Engineers.
Powell River- British Columbia
One of the largest collections can be seen at Powell River in British Columbia where ten ships form a breakwater for the lumber mill. The SS Selma which was launched on the very day that Germany signed the treaty of Versailles can be found at Seawolf Park in Galveston.
