Mv Holmdale - Service History

911 tons gross, 1077 deadweight. Dimensions: 218' 1" x 34' 9" x 13'7". Diesel engine by Masch.Kiel A.G.
Nov 1961: Completed by N.V.Bodewes Scheepswerven, Martenshoek, Holland, for Holm Shipping Co.
Jan 1962: Delivered to New Zealand and entered service.
Apr 1967: Sailed from Onehunga for Rarotonga to begin new shipping service between New Zealand and Cook Islands.
Mar 1972: Management passed to Union Steam Ship Co. of N.Z. Ltd.
10 May 1972: On passage from Dunedin to Wanganui, she was struck on starboard beam by huge breaking sea at 2138. The spare bower anchor was shifted 5", the Builders name plate was ripped off the forepart of Bridge, the starboard life belt rack on Bridge front was demolished, No.4 port winch cab was bent, and 3 cars on the freezer hatch were damaged by the weight of water.
May 1974: The last commercial vessel to use the Port of Oamaru, sailing from there on 14 May.
Apr 1975: Taken on long term charter by Department of Internal Affairs to guarantee 10 return trips a year to the Chatham Islands.
1981: Ownership transferred to Union Steam Ship Co. of N.Z. Ltd. Retained her Holm Shipping Company colours.
Mar 1982: Became the last conventional coaster under the New Zealand flag with the sale of Anchor-Dorman's Titoki.
May 1988: Ownership transferred to Union Shipping New Zealand Ltd.
19 Sept 1990: Arrived at Lyttelton on her last voyage from the Chathams. Crew paid off 28 Sept and ship laid up for sale.
10 January 1991: Handed over to Celtic Pacific Shipping Ltd., Auckland, renamed Celtic Kiwi.
Sank 300km northwest of North Cape, New Zealand, on 27 October 1991, after water entered the forward hold whilst on voyage from Auckland to Norfolk Island and Apia.

Very nice, Chris. Thanks for sharing.

Rgds,
Dani

How Lyttelton has changed over the years, all developed for the container and coal traffic and to the left of where the photographer would have been is whats left of the rail yard and the log stacking. All that area in the picture is now secure unless you are lucky enough to have a swipe card.

Pritty little coaster, they don't look like this anymore! mrdot.

Thanks Geir

Hi Chris,

Thanks for posting another great photo, her Imonr. is 5153620.

Brgds,
Geir