Manoora
The Manoora was a significant Australian passenger vessel built in 1935 by Alexander Stephen and Sons Ltd at their Govan, Glasgow shipyard. Registered in Melbourne, she was constructed for the Adelaide Steamship Co. Ltd as a modern motor vessel equipped with twin screws and radar.
Construction and Technical Details
Built as a shelter-deck type vessel, Manoora was fitted with powerful engines generating 8,200 brake horsepower. The vessel was registered with Official Number 153959 and assigned the signal letters VLGM.
Wartime Service
In 1939, Manoora was commandeered for military service and converted into an armed merchant cruiser. She was subsequently modified to serve as a landing ship infantry, a role she maintained throughout World War II until 1947.
Post-War Service
Following her return to Adelaide Steamship Co. Ltd in 1947, Manoora underwent a comprehensive refit. She resumed commercial coastal routes service in 1949. By 1959, the vessel was reassigned to Pacific cruising duties.
Indonesian Service
In 1961, Manoora was sold to the Indonesian Government and converted for use as a pilgrim ship, renamed Ambulombo. She changed ownership in 1965 to PT Affan Raya and was renamed Affan Oceana. The following year, she was sold to PT Perusahaan Pelajaran and reverted to the name Ambulombo. The vessel was laid up in Djakarta in 1971.
Final Fate
On November 18, 1972, while being towed to Taiwan for scrapping, Ambulombo sank off Luzon.
Key Facts
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Built | 1935 |
| Builder | Alexander Stephen and Sons Ltd, Govan |
| Length | 463.5 feet (141.3 meters) |
| Beam | 66.2 feet (20.2 meters) |
| Depth | 29.8 feet (9.1 meters) |
| Gross Tonnage | 10,856 |
| Net Tonnage | 6,261 |
| Engine Power | 8,200 bhp |
| Type | Twin Screw Motor Vessel |
| Registry | Melbourne |