MV Aorangi 1924 Ship Construction and Service

The MV Aorangi was a passenger ship built in 1924. It was constructed by the New Zealand Shipping Company at the Smith's Dock Company in Middlesbrough, England.

The ship was designed to carry 1,500 tons of cargo and 250 passengers. It measured 425 feet in length and 55 feet in width.

The MV Aorangi was initially used for cargo and passenger transport between New Zealand and Australia. It made its maiden voyage in 1924 from Wellington to Sydney.

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The MV Aorangi was a remarkable ship, and its construction and launch are a testament to its impressive history. The keel was laid down in 1923 by the Fairfield Shipbuilding & Engineering Co., Ltd. in Glasgow, Scotland.

The ship was launched on June 17, 1924, and was officially named by Mrs. Charles Holdsworth, the wife of USSCo's Managing Director, Mr. Charles Holdsworth. A special gavel was used to launch the ship, and it was later presented to Mrs. Holdsworth in a specially carved box.

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The Aorangi was a large ship, with a gross register tonnage of 17,491 and a displacement tonnage of 23,000 tons. It was powered by four six-cylinder Fairfield built Sulzer ST70 two-stroke single-acting engines, producing a total of 13,000 BHP at 127 RPM.

Here's a summary of the ship's key dimensions:

The construction of the RMS Aorangi was a significant milestone in her history. The keel was laid down in 1923 by Fairfield Shipbuilding & Engineering Co., Ltd. in Glasgow, Scotland.

The ship was built to be larger than its predecessors, a testament to the company's commitment to innovation. USSCo ordered the new liner, and it was clear they had big plans for it.

The RMS Aorangi was launched on June 17, 1924, and it was a momentous occasion. Mrs. Charles Holdsworth, the wife of USSCo's Managing Director, christened the ship with the words "I name this ship the Aorangi."

A special gavel was used by Mrs. Holdsworth to launch the ship, and it was later presented to her as a keepsake. The gavel is now in the possession of the Deans family, along with a small painting of the Aorangi by Charles Dixon.

The Aorangi was launched into the Clyde, where she was taken in tow and moved to her fit-out berth. This marked the beginning of her transformation into a revolutionary liner.

The name 'Aorangi' was chosen for the ship, which is the Maori name for 'Mount Cook,' New Zealand's tallest mountain. It's a fitting name, given the ship's stately tall funnels and reputation as the largest and fastest motor-powered ship in the world.

The Maori word 'Aorangi' is actually translated as 'Cloud Piercer,' which suits the ship's impressive size and capabilities. Interestingly, the name is pronounced differently by various Maori tribes, with the NgaiTahu tribe pronouncing it as 'Aoraki.'

The Aorangi was fitted out on the Clyde, where she received some of the most spectacular interiors of her time, rivalling those of the great Trans-Atlantic liners.

The RMS Aorangi departs on her Maiden Voyage in January 1925, making a stop in Gatun Lake, Panama, where a rare marked photograph of the ship was taken.

This photograph is one of a kind, capturing the RMS Aorangi in all her glory during her maiden voyage.

The MV Aorangi was a significant ship in New Zealand's maritime history. It was built in 1924 and was originally designed for passenger and cargo transport.

The ship's arrival in New Zealand was a notable event, with it being launched at the William Denny and Brothers shipyard in Dumbarton, Scotland. The MV Aorangi made its way to New Zealand, where it began its service.

The MV Aorangi served the New Zealand public for nearly 60 years, finally retiring in 1984.

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Aorangi's Arrival in Auckland was a historic event that took place on February 24, 1925. The people of Auckland were extremely excited to be the first Kiwis to see the new liner, and as she sailed past Rangitoto Island, they couldn't help but think she looked "stately".

The crowds grew more and more excited as the ship drew closer to Queen's Wharf, with some people even saying she was the most beautiful ship ever. Auckland was thrilled to be the first port of call for the Aorangi, as most new USSCo ships typically visited Wellington first.

The Aorangi was a sight to behold, towering above everything else in the harbor with her large size. She was a motor ship, New Zealand's largest at the time, and her arrival was a significant event for the city.

The newspapers hailed her arrival, describing her as one of the most handsome vessels afloat, with a straight stem and a cruiser stern. Her two tall masts and two funnels gave her a stateliness that suggested a huge steam yacht.

The public rooms on board were designed to impress, with a Georgian scheme of decoration in the First Class Lounge and a Jacobean period design in the Smoke Room. The First Class Dining Saloon was a spacious apartment designed after the period of Louis XIV.

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As Aorangi entered its final year, the excitement was palpable. Students were eager to complete their projects and showcase their skills.

The final year at Aorangi was a time of intense focus, with students working on their final projects for around 20 hours a week. This was a significant increase from the 10 hours a week they had been working during their previous year.

Aorangi's final year was a time of growth and development, with students refining their skills and preparing for their future careers. They were also learning to work independently and manage their time effectively.

The final year at Aorangi was a challenging but rewarding experience for students. They were able to apply the knowledge and skills they had gained throughout their program to real-world situations.

The MV Aorangi was a passenger ship that sailed the seas from 1924 to 1959.

It operated under the New Zealand Shipping Company's banner, a prominent shipping line in the country.

The ship was initially designed to transport passengers and cargo between New Zealand and the United Kingdom.

Its route took it through the busy shipping lanes of the South Pacific.

The MV Aorangi was a significant vessel in its time, with a gross tonnage of 12,000 tons.

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