"Robin Kettering" was the third of three geared turbine, modified C2-S type ships for the Seas Shipping Company's Robin Line by the Bethlehem Shipbuilding Corporation at its Bethlehem Sparrows Point Shipyard, Maryland yard under a Maritime Commission contract. The ships had sequential MC and yard hull numbers: "Robin Locksley" 72/4341, 73/4342, and "Robin Kettering" 74/4343. One of the modifications for these ships was increased length, approximately that of the C3 type, no bow or stern sheer and a flat, broad funnel. The last ship's keel was laid on 19 June 1940 with launchd on 18 January 1941 sponsored by Mrs. William Sanford Lewis. The ship was delivered on 29 May 1941 and registered with official number 240632.