SS Moreton Bay
From Our Contribution
 SS Moreton Bay Museum Victoria Collection | |
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| History | |
|---|---|
| Name | SS Moreton Bay |
| Owner | Aberdeen & Commonwealth Line Ltd |
| Builder | Vickers Ltd, Barrow-in-Furness |
| Yard number | 573 |
| Launched | 23 Apr 1921 |
| Completed | 18 Nov 1921 |
| In service | 7 Dec 1921 |
| Out of service | 13 Apr 1957 |
| Fate | broken up April 1957 |
| General characteristics | |
| Type | Passenger ship (emigrants) |
| Tonnage | 14,193 tons |
| Length | 161.73m (530.6ft) |
| Beam | 20.81m (68.3ft) |
| Depth | 12.15m (39.9ft) draught 10.106m (33ft 2in) |
| Propulsion | twin screw |
| Speed | 16 knots (29.63km/h) |
| Capacity | 542 tourist class, crew of 216 |
Remarks
Her maiden voyage was from London to Brisbane. She was to later collide with MV Margit Siemers, in the Thames and was found to be responsible by a Court of Enquiry. On her next voyage she was again in a collision, this time with SS Chemnitz. In 1928 she was sold to the White Star Line in London, before being on sold in 1933 to the Aberdeen & Commonwealth Line. Requisitioned by the Australian Government for service during WW2. Between 1939 and 1941 she served as an Armed Merchant Cruiser, before being converted to transport troops. Took part in the Madagascar, North African and European campaigns. Her only serious mishap was hitting the quay at Algiers when she was abandoned by her tugs during an air raid.
In 1946 she reverted to servicing the London to Sydney route. She was fitted out to carry 514 in Tourist class. Her final sailing took place on 30 Nov 1956 before being sent to the breakers on 13 Apr 1957.