MS Ruahine was a passenger ship that operated in the mid-20th century, primarily for the New Zealand Shipping Company.

MS Ruahine
History
British Red EnsignUnited Kingdom
OwnerNew Zealand Shipping Company (1951–1966) Federal Line (1966–1967)
BuilderJohn Brown & Company
Launched11 December 1950
Completed3 May 1951
In service1951
Out of service1967
FateSold
History
Hong Kong
NameOriental Rio
OwnerOrient Overseas Line
Acquired1968
FateScrapped 1974
General characteristics
Tonnage17,851 gross register tons
Length584 ft (178 m)
Beam75 ft (23 m)
PropulsionDiesel
Capacity267 passengers

Built by John Brown & Company for the New Zealand Shipping Company, she was launched on 11 December 1950 and entered service in May 1951.[1] She operated in combined passenger and cargo trade from London to Auckland and Wellington, arriving in New Zealand in November 1951.[1][2] At the end of 1966, she was transferred to the fleet of New Zealand Shipping subsidiary Federal Line, but operated under the British flag for only one more year, making her final New Zealand voyage in late 1967.[1] She was subsequently sold to the Orient Overseas Line and renamed Oriental Rio, sailing under the Hong Kong flag until she was scrapped in 1974.[1][3]

Ruahine measured 17,851 gross register tons, and was 584 feet (178 m) long, with a beam of 75 feet (23 m).[2] She was powered by Doxford diesel engines driving two screws, which gave her a service speed of 16.5 knots (19.0 mph).[2] She had a passenger capacity of 267 in a single-class configuration.[2]

References

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  1. ^ a b c d "58 years since`Ruahine' delivery". Otago Daily Times. 4 May 2009. Retrieved 10 September 2018.
  2. ^ a b c d Miller Jr., William (2001). Picture History of British Ocean Liners 1900 to the Present. Mineola, NY: Dover Publications. p. 87. ISBN 0-486-41532-5.
  3. ^ OOCL Marks Half a Century of Operations Ships Monthly February 2019 page 8