Empire Abercorn
Ship Number
1230
Vessel Type
Standard Fast Type Refrig Cargo Ship
Built
Belfast
Slip Number
6
Launch Date
December 30, 1944
Delivered
June 30, 1945
Owner
Ministry of War Transport
Weight
8563 grt
BP Length
450 feet
Breadth
63 feet
No. of Screws
Single
Speed (approx)
15.5 knots
Propulsion
Harland and Wolff B&W 8 cylinder, 2 cycle Direct Acting (D.A.) Diesel
Official No.
168539
Registered
Belfast
Fate
Scrapped
Empire Abercorn

[RAKAIA Postcard]
One funnel, two masts, single screw, speed 14 knots, accommodation for 36 passengers. Built for the Ministry of War Transport named Empire Abercorn. Managed by the New Zealand Shipping Company Limited.
 
26th June 1946 acquired by the New Zealand Shipping Company Limited and renamed Rakaia.
 
1950 Converted to a cadet training ship and first sailed in this role on 10th June.
 
1953 Carried the second consignment of wool from Australia to Odessa during a dock strike that closed UK ports.
 
October 1957 In rough seas and 700 miles out from New York, a main engine piston rod snapped, putting the ship out of action. Tarpaulin sails were set at the No. 2 hatch derrick posts and between the derricks at No. 5 hatch. A staysail was also erected at the forecastle. With these sails and the engine operating at only 50 rpm, it took a further 11 days to reach Liverpool.
 
1967 Transferred to the Federal Steam Navigation Company and ceased operating as a cadet training ship.
 
August 1971 Sold to the Lee Sing Company, Hong Kong, for breaking up.
 
[Merchant Fleets, vol.7 by Duncan Haws]