Kanimbla

The Kanimbla was a significant Australian passenger vessel built in 1936 by Harland & Wolff in Belfast. At 10,985 tons, she was McIlwraith McEarchern's largest passenger vessel, designed to carry 400 passengers around the Australian coast.

Pre-war Service

Following her launch in 1936, Kanimbla operated as a coastal passenger vessel for McIlwraith McEarchern around Australia.

Wartime Service

During World War II, Kanimbla was converted to an Armed Merchant Cruiser and commissioned as HMAS Kanimbla. She was fitted with radar during this period.

Post-war Service

After the war, Kanimbla became part of the "Fifth Fleet" and held the distinction of being the only Australian-owned vessel to transport displaced persons from Genoa to Australia.

Final Years

In 1961, she was sold to Pacific Transport Co. of Singapore and renamed Oriental Queen. In this role, she carried pilgrims from Indonesia to the Middle East and operated cruises out of Sydney. The vessel's service ended in 1973 when she was broken up in Taiwan.

Technical Specifications

Specification	Details
Built	1936, Harland & Wolff, Belfast
Length	468.8 ft (142.9 m)
Beam	66.3 ft (20.2 m)
Depth	36.4 ft (11.1 m)
Bridge Length	256 ft (78 m)
Forecastle	90 ft (27.4 m)
Gross Tonnage	10,985 tons
Net Tonnage	6,225 tons
Passenger Capacity	400
Bulkheads	Eight
Engines	Two sets of 8-cylinder four-stroke cycle, single acting
Engine Dimensions	29⅛" x 59 1/16" stroke
Donkey Boiler	100 lb pressure
Signal Letters	VLFS