In 1921 – 22 , ML 's fleet was augmented by two second-hand vessels . Sailings were resumed to New Orleans , and the Baltimore service was extended to Norfolk , Virginia . Some ships including the '' Manchester Civilian '' and '' Manchester Spinner '' became regular carriers in the coal trade from Sydney , Nova Scotia . The '' Civilian '' made several round trips from the US to Japan in 1923 , carrying relief supplies after the Japanese earthquake . ML took delivery of the 7,930 tons steam turbine '' Manchester Regiment '' in 1922 , constructed on the Tees by the Furness Shipbuilding Company . This ship with a crew of 65 was the largest operated to date , carrying 512 cattle , plus hold cargo and was equipped with large derricks to assist in heavy goods handling . The '' Regiment 's '' record from the Mersey Bar to Quebec was seven days nine hours . In 1925 her captain won the gold-headed cane traditionally awarded each Spring to the master of the first ship to break through the St Lawrence ice to reach Montreal , a feat repeated later by several other ML captains . ML 's old head office in Deansgate , Manchester became inadequate and was replaced in August 1922 by a purpose-built five-storey modern building in St Ann 's Square next to the Royal Exchange
Japanese earthquake
1923 Great Kantō earthquake
Manchester Liners