Auckland Star At Lyttelton

Press, Volume C, Issue 29671, 15 November 1961, Page 23

Auckland Star At Lyttelton

The turbine steamer, Auckland Star, now loading wool and refrigerated and general cargo at Lyttelton, is a member of a large modern merchant fleet, tiie Blue Star Line, which entered the New Zealand trade in 1831. Commanded by Captain G. C. Goudie, of Tonbridge Wells, the Auckland Star is of 11,798 tons, and has a service speed of 1714 knots. She is a large carrier of cargo, and has accommodation for 12 passengers, quartered in comfortable staterooms, with private facilities. The ship has a crew ot 70. including the master and two cadets.

A striking looking vessel, the Auckland Star has a large funnel, counterbalanced by her large hull. Her raked stem and sharply-flared bow are prominent features which, combined with her single mast and 10 Sampson posts, give her streamlining, without detracting from solidity. The Auckland Star has seven large cargo hatches, and modern handling equipment, including a heavy lift derrick of 70 tons. Her cargo space includes 500.111 cub. ft. of refrigerated cargo, 56,000 cub. ft. of chilled cargo, and 356,625 cub. ft. of general cargo space.

The Auckland Star is also equipped with modern navigational and allied equipment, as are all the vessels of the Blue Star Line. The Blue Star Line is a member of the Conference Group but also has a fine fleet of vessels engaged in the United Kingdom - South American trade. The Auckland Star is expected to complete loading at Wellington, and will then sail for Dunkirk, Hull, Antwerp, Rotterdam, Bremen, Hamburg, London, Avonmouth, and Cardiff to discharge. She is expected to leave Lyttelton next week.