MAIDEN VOYAGE OF KAITOA

Press, Volume XCIII, Issue 28008, 30 June 1956, Page 12

MAIDEN VOYAGE OF KAITOA

ADDITION TO UNION COMPANY FLEET

ARRIVAL AT LYTTELTON NEXT WEDNESDAY

The Union Steam Ship Company’s new cargo ship Kaitoa will arrive at Lyttelton on Wednesday on her maiden voyage from “London. The vessel will discharge a cargo of cement at Lyttelton, and will then be commissioned for the coastal trade.

Captain A. P. Heenan is in command of the vessel. The Kaitoa is the last of a series of cargo vessels specially designed for working shallow harbours on the New Zealand coast. Vessels of similar design are the Kaitangata, Konui, Kaitawa, Kaiapoi, Krwatiri, and Kokiri. Built by Henry Robb, Ltd., of Leith, Scotland, the Kaitoa is a vessel of 2583 tons gross, with a deadweight cargo capacity of about 3000 tons. She has twin screws, and is powered by British Polar single-acting two-stroke diesel engines, with an estimated combined horsepower of 1700.

Cargo handling equipment is electrically driven. The accommodation for officers and crew is in keeping with modern standards. The Kaitoa was launched in February, and on her speed trials attained a speed of 12J knots.

The present crew comprises men who propose to settle in New Zealand. They will be signed off at Lyttelton, and a New Zealand crew signed on. The Kaitoa is the fortieth ship added to the company’s fleet since the Second World War.