NAIRANA

Australia

Nairana 1917-1951.

ON: 132476
ID: 1132476
Year: 1917
Name: NAIRANA
Type: Seaplane tender
Flag: GBR
Launch Date: 21.6.15
Date of completion: 25.8.17
Owner: Royal Navy, GBR
Builder: Wm. Denny & Bros., Dumbarton.
Link: 1576
Yard No: 1016
Starke: V1917 #612
GRT: 3,547
LOA: 107.3
LPP: 96.0
Beam: 13.9
2ST-19 knots.

1921 sold to Huddart, Parker Ltd., AUS Melbourne. Converted to passenger ship. Same name.

1922 to Tasmanian Steamers Pty Ltd., AUS Melbourne. Same name.

1950 sold for BU 1950

1951 wrecked Hobson's Bay, Melbourne 18.2.51

BU where she lay 1951-54


Details: Miramar Ship Index.


NAIRANA was launched on Monday 21 June 1915 as a passenger vessel for Huddart Parker Ltd., Melbourne, intended for their Bass Strait services.

1916 commissioned by War Cabinet and converted to a seaplane carrier, with seaplanes accommodated aft and deck landing planes forward.

Completed for the Royal Navy on 27 February 1917.

3,042 grt. 1,228 nrt. LB: (as seaplane carrier 330’ x 45’6”) and LBD: as refitted to original passenger vessel plans - 315' x 45'6" x 23'6" (107.3 x 13.9 metres)
Four 4 steam turbines geared to twin screws, as built by Wm. Denny & Bros., Dumbarton. Six water tube boilers, coal fired. Top rated speed of 20 knots. Cruiser stern.

She served during WWI, including being part of the Russian campaign at Archangel.

1920 returned in ownership to Huddart Parker, Melbourne.

1921 refitted to passenger ship status.

1922 transferred to Tasmanian Steamers, Melbourne.

She operated on the Bass Strait service for the next twenty-seven years, mostly with a companion ship, but on her own for four years during the Second World War.

Laid up in Melbourne in 1948, and on February 18th 1951 broke moorings during a heavy gale and beached. Found impossible to refloat so was cut up where she lay by new owners William Mussel Pty Ltd.

Added detail: Ships Flotilla

Photo Credits: The Trove Australia National Library