ABILITY
...ex Barwon shown here off Port Adelaide South Australia
Australian
Barwon (II) 1939-1972.
Steel single screw steamer built 1939 by Caledon Ship Building & Engine Co. Ltd., Dundee for Huddart Parker, Melbourne.
4,239 gross tons 3,353 net. Lbd: 378'4" x 50'4" x 22'7" (111.86 x 15.33m)
Originally coal-fired, she was propelled by a 3- cylinder triple expansion and lp dr turbine by J. Kincaid, Greenock; was single screwed with a speed of 10 knots.
4th June 1942 attacked by a submarine when 35 nautical miles south of Gabo Island, hit by shells, but torpedoes fired at her missed and she managed to escape.
She was converted to oil firing in April 1957.
Mid 1961 transferred to McIlwraith McEacharn fleet.
With the creation of Associated Steamships Pty. Ltd., Melbourne (ASP - the amalgamation of McIlwraith McEacharn Ltd and The Adelaide Steamship Co. Ltd.) in November 1963, she became an ASP fleet member on 7 January 1964 from the McIlwraith McEacharn fleet.
She entered service as a unit-loader in May 1966 and soldiered on until October 1969 when she was sold and delivered at Port Adelaide to the Wing On Steamship Co. SA, Panama, being renamed Ability
1971 renamed New Ability
1972 Wrecked off Kaohsiung 6-6-1972

Details: Miramar ship Index
Photo Credits: The late Don Ross collection

I was on this ship for a while