or release of requisitioned ships, and the reconditioning of vessels for release back to their private owners. The ministry was dissolved on 31 March 1921. The Ministry of Shipping was reinstated with the outbreak of war in September 1939; it assumed responsibility for specific Sea Transport Department under auspice of the Admiralty till 1941 when it was merged with the Ministry of Transport to form the Ministry of War Transport. In 1946 the Ministry of Transport was reestablished; it then became responsible for naval transportation until 1970 when that responsibility was assumed once more by the Board of Trade. References Defunct ministerial offices in the United Kingdom Shipping 1916 establishments in the United Kingdom 1921 disestablishments in the United Kingdom 1939 establishments in the United Kingdom 1941 disestablishments in the United Kingdom Shipping in the United Kingdom Shipping ministers