IRON CARPENTARIA

1977-2003

25084 gross tons, 16328 net, 45432 dwt

Lbd: 202.71 x 27.55 x 12.515 metres.

Bulk carrier built at Whyalla Shipbuilding & Engineering Works, South Australia for BHP. on: 374846 Launched 17 June 1977 completed 15 December 1977 and duly registered Melbourne. Machinery G E Gas turbine, triple reduction geared to a single shaft.

11,450 shaft horsepower, 14.2 knots on 48 tonnes of waxy crude per day. Crew - 34. From completion until April 1978 laid up due to lack of work. Built specificially for the ore carriage from Gladstone Queensland to Whyalla South Australia, along with her sistership completed 1978 (Iron Curtis) she had seven holds all strengthened for the carriage of ore.

The transport of other bulk products of the BHP trades also occurred. June 1979 saw a voyage from Whyalla to Pohang South Korea, onward to Suzaki Japan and return to Australia. Her only overseas journey for the Compnay.

14 May 1982 constant problems with gas turbines (deterioration of regenerators) saw her laid up at Cockatoo Island. 7th February 1983 a decision was made to re-engine her via G H Varley Pty Ltd. Towed to Newcastle, new South Wales 22 June 1983 with major rebuild commencing 1st August.

Installed were two Wartsila oil engines, 10,982 brakehorsepower, 13 knots on 30.6 tonnes of resiual fuel (waxy crude) per day. Sea trials 2 - 6th February 1984 successful and proceeded to Port Kembla in resuming normal services.

26 May 1986 loaded the last cargo of iron ore from Cockatoo Island, Western Australia. December 1988 owners became BHP Limited. Broken up at Xinhui December 2003

Photo Credits: The William T Barber Collection Vic Australia

Cheers and GB

Gordy