SS Lokoja Palm
| Industry | Shipbuilding |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1947 |
| Headquarters | Newcastle upon Tyne , United Kingdom |
Lokoja Palm was a Template:GRT steam-powered cargo vessel constructed by Shipbuilding Corporation Ltd, located in Low Walker, Newcastle upon Tyne, in 1947. Initially laid down under the name Empire Birdsay, she was launched as Zarian. The ship changed ownership in 1949, adopting the name Lokoja Palm. Later in her service life, she was sold again and renamed first Despina L and subsequently Nova, flying the Cyprus flag before being dismantled in Shanghai in December 1971.
Description
Originally commissioned by the Ministry of War Transport, Empire Birdsay was ordered during wartime but the conclusion of the Second World War occurred prior to her completion. The vessel was constructed by Shipbuilding Corporation Ltd at their Newcastle upon Tyne yard.[1] Assigned yard number 21, she was launched under the name Zarian on 16 August 1947 and reached completion in December of the same year.[2]
Career
The vessel initially named Zarian was under the ownership and management of the United Africa Co Ltd. In 1949, following the company's transition to Palm Line Ltd, the ship was rechristened as Lokoja Palm. On 16 December 1954, Lokoja Palm docked at Avonmouth, Somerset, carrying a cargo that included 40 animals intended for London Zoo. The ship remained in service with Palm Line for seventeen years before being sold in 1966 to Compagnia Navigazione Kea, registered in Panama, where she received the new name Despina L. Subsequently, in 1969, ownership transferred to Nova Shipping Co Ltd of Cyprus, and the vessel was renamed Nova, with operations managed by Pergamos Shipping Co Ltd. Ultimately, Nova was dismantled in China in December 1971.
Propulsion
Propulsion for the ship was provided by a Hick, Hargreaves & Co. Ltd Triple expansion steam engine, enabling a maximum speed of 10.5 knots (19.4 km/h).
References
- ↑ Mitchell, W.H.; Sawyer, L.A. (1995). The Empire Ships. London, New York, Hamburg, Hong Kong: Lloyd's of London Press Ltd. ISBN 1-85044-275-4.
- ↑ Template:Csr
Further reading
- "A voyage too far", Ships Monthly March 1995.