NEW CARGO SHIP

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30043, 30 January 1963, Page 12

NEW CARGO SHIP

The new Shaw Savill Albion 12,000-ton cargo liner Megantic arrived in Lyttelton last evening after being diverted at the last moment from Timaru. She caused a few raised eyebrows with her departure from the Shaw Savill line’s usual colour scheme for its cargo fleet—her hull is painted light grey with a white riband, instead of the usual black.

The Megantic (Greek for "large” or “great”) has sailed in ballast from Tyneside, where she was launched on July 3 last year, to load refrigerated cargo for the United Kingdom. She will load a full cargo of Lamb butter, and cheese at Lyttelton, Timaru, and Bluff, as well as a big shipment of wool.

She is under the command of Captain W. J. Stanger, who has served with the Shaw Savill Company since 1937.

The Megantic averaged 18.34 knots from Panama to Lyttelton, said Captain Stanger last evening. Rough weather had been experienced coming across the Atlantic, but fair conditions were enjoyed from Panama on. In fact, said Captain Stanger, the Megantic used only half .the potential of her 1600 horsepower rating oq the voyage.

Accommodation aboard the Megantic is of the best modem standard, being light, spacious, and air-conditioned, and her navigational appliances and cargo-handling gear are of the newest type. The first of a new refrigerated class of ship being built for the Shaw Savill Company, she will soon be followed by a sister ship, the Medic, which is almost ready for launching. The Megantic will sail for .Timaru tomorrow, and will complete loading at Bluff.