NORFOLK ARRIVES

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26626, 24 November 1947, Page 4

NORFOLK ARRIVES

NEW CARGO SHIP FIRST VISIT TO PORT The Federal Steam Navigation Company's motor ship Norfolk which arrived at Port Chalmers on Saturday morning is a fine example of modern British shipbuilding, considered at the time of her launching to be in the first 12 merchantmen in the world. Fast and with a large cargo capacity, she is typical of the outstanding ships now being built in Britain for trading to Australia and New Zealand. The Norfolk was built at Clydebank by John Brown and Co. and was launched by Mrs Walter Nash, wife of the Minister of Finance, in June, 1946. She made her maiden voyage to Australia earlier this year and is now on her second trip. No accommodation for passengers is provided but the quarters for the crew, in the furnishing of which no expense appears to have been spared, are loomy and comfortable. On the boat deck there is a hospital and dispensary. . The Norfolk can carry 12.500 bales of wool, 4000 tons of frozen meat and 100.000 boxes of butter. Fruit and cheese may be taken in the refrigerated compartments. Five of the six holds are insulated, the total insulated space being 526.800 cubic feet, while 262.000 cubic feet is available for general cargo. For the handling of cargo, there are 20 electric winches and with the exception of two. all the control positions have been situated so that the winch men do not have to stand in the open. The dimensions of the Norfolk, whose gross tonnage is 11.300, are:— Length. 561 feet; beam, 70 feet; loaded depth, 32 feet. Driven by Diesel engines, she has a service speed of 17 knots. , ~ A sister ship to the Norfolk, the Haparangi, owned by the Federal Line's associate, the New Zealand Shipping Company, is due at Dunedin, via northern ports, about December 4 or. her maiden voyage from Liverpool. The Norfolk will begin the discharge ol 1800 tons of general cargo at Port Chalmers from Liverpool to-day.