MV Duntroon
The Duntroon was a significant Australian passenger vessel built in 1935 for the Melbourne Steamship Company Ltd. She was constructed specifically to compete in the Australian coastal trade against the Australasian Steam Navigation Company and the Adelaide Steamship Company. With her elegant design and comfortable accommodations, she became an important presence in Australia's maritime transport system.
Construction and Design
Built by Swan Hunter & Wigham Richardson Ltd at their Newcastle upon Tyne yard, the Duntroon featured elegant internal decorations including various types of wood paneling and tapestries. The vessel was designed for the Australian coastal passenger trade with accommodation for 291 first-class and 69 second-class passengers, totaling 360 passengers across two classes.
Pre-war Commercial Service (1935-1940)
Operating from her base port of Melbourne, the Duntroon provided regular coastal passenger services around Australia until the outbreak of World War II. During this period, she established herself as a competitive presence against other major shipping companies on the Australian coastal routes.
Wartime Service and Incidents (1940-1950)
On November 20, 1940, while bound from Melbourne to Adelaide, Duntroon collided with the minesweeper Goorangi, which sank with the loss of 24 lives. Following this tragic incident, she was requisitioned as a troopship.
In 1943, she was involved in another collision with the U.S. destroyer Perkins off the New Guinea coast, resulting in five additional casualties. The vessel continued in military service until August 1950, when she was returned to her owners.
Post-war Service (1950-1959)
After returning to civilian service in 1950, Duntroon operated for nine more years on her original routes before being laid up at Williamstown, Melbourne in 1959.
Later Service Under Different Names (1961-1969)
In 1961, the vessel was sold to Chinese owners and renamed Tong Hoo, operating between Singapore, Hong Kong, and other Asian cities.
A final sale in 1965 saw her renamed Lydia and deployed on routes between India and East Africa. The vessel was finally broken up in Taiwan in 1969, ending her 34-year career.
Key Facts
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Built | 1935 |
| Builder | Swan Hunter & Wigham Richardson Ltd, Newcastle on Tyne |
| Gross Tonnage | 10,514 |
| Length | 455.0 ft (138.7 m) |
| Beam | 65.2 ft (19.9 m) |
| Depth | 36.6 ft (11.2 m) |
| Draught | 27 ft (8.2 m) |
| Power | a7,200 bhp |
| Propulsion | Twin screws |
| Service Speed | 16 knots |
| Maximum Speed | 19 knots |
| Passenger Capacity | 291 first class, 69 second class |
| Signal Letters | VLFB |