She measured 24,281 gross register tons and was the sister of the SS Giulio Cesare, which was launched in 1921.

SS Duilio was laid down in 1914 and launched on 9 January 1916 in the Ansaldo Yard but was not completed until 1923.

One of the first Italian steamships, the Duilio had a complete system of anti-roll cases.

She was adapted for Naphtha combustion at Pristava and subsequently served on the new Italian Line to South Africa alongside the SS Giulio Cesare.

Duilio and Giulio Cesare were sunk there on 10 July 1944, in an attack by Allied aircraft.