Launched 5/5/1956. Completed: 7/1956. Builder:AG Weser, Bremen, Germany.
Originally 10,884 grt and 16,894 dwt as built.
Later increased to figures shown in technical data.
An early self-unloading bulk carrier designed by Ove Skaarup of New York. Designed for the gypsum trade from Halifax, N.S. to E.C.U.S.A. ports. Sailed first from Halifax on 10/8/1956 and completed around 1700 voyages until the last on 9/3/1994.
She was then moved to S.E. Asia for further trading.
1956 - "MELVIN H. BAKER" - Seaways Shipping Co., Monrovia, Liberia.
1983 - ownership transferred to Oceanways Navigation Co., Panama
1989 - ownership reverts to Seaways Shipping Co.
1995 - ownership transferred to Ocean Wave Shipping Corp., Monrovia.
1997 - ownership transferred to Bay Fair Shipping Corp., Monrovia.
2007 - registration changed to Panama.
12/2009 - broken up at Xinhui, China.

There were two near sister ships to her: "LEWIS R. SANDERSON" (later "INVERNESS") 10,032 gt/1956 and "WILLIAM M. CURRIE" (later "DARTMOUTH") 11,146 gt/1956.
Sources: http://shipfax.blogspot.co.nz/search?q=melvin+h.+baker
and http://www.miramarshipindex.nz/ship?idno=5231927

Thanks for this photo, I think she must be the oldest bulkcarrier in service today. Engaged in Atlantic cement trade for a long time, she was at Rijeka some nine years ago doing repairs and drydocking, unfortunately I did not take a photo. After that she changed zone of trading, moved to Far East and there was no chance to see her again. I must check about her present status at databases, because I can't find trace of movements in October 2005, which I have here.

Regards from Croatia

M. Kronja