MV Moonta Ship Overview and Service History

Author

Reads 7.6K

Eerie black and white photo of an abandoned shipwreck along South Africa's rocky coastline, evoking mystery and solitude.
Credit: pexels.com, Eerie black and white photo of an abandoned shipwreck along South Africa's rocky coastline, evoking mystery and solitude.

The MV Moonta is a significant vessel with a rich history. It was built in 1967.

The ship was designed for cargo transportation, and its construction was a notable achievement in shipbuilding technology at the time.

The MV Moonta's service history is quite extensive, with a career spanning over five decades.

MV Moonta

The MV Moonta was a steel-hulled cargo ship that served in World War II.

It was built in 1919 by the Walkers Ltd shipyard in Newcastle upon Tyne, England.

The ship had a gross tonnage of 4,455 tons and a length of 320 feet.

Specifications

The MV Moonta was a steel-hulled, single-screw steamship built by the Port Adelaide Engineering Company in 1905.

It was 256 feet 6 inches in length, with a gross tonnage of 1,040 tons.

The ship had a beam of 31 feet 6 inches and a depth of 16 feet 6 inches.

The MV Moonta was powered by a triple-expansion steam engine, which drove a single screw propeller.

Service Years

Black and white photo of a steaming ferry cruising through Hamburg, Germany's scenic waterways.
Credit: pexels.com, Black and white photo of a steaming ferry cruising through Hamburg, Germany's scenic waterways.

The Moonta was designed for the Spencer Gulf route departing from Port Adelaide and made her maiden voyage on Saturday, 28 November, 1931.

The public were invited aboard to inspect the new ship on Tuesday, 24 November, giving people a sneak peek at the vessel before its official launch.

She started service with a six-day itinerary, disembarking in Adelaide and ending in Port Lincoln, usually with four or five calls along the way.

Moonta became well known and beloved for her excellent service and relaxing voyages, being called the perfect "romantic holiday" ship.

On 3 February 1955, the Moonta began to sit idle while the Adelaide Steamship company decided what to do with the aging vessel.

She was put on the Bass Strait run in July 1955, marking a change in her route and service.

Moonta was sold off without any ceremony in November, bringing an end to her time with the Adelaide Steamship company.

Credit: youtube.com, Gulf Trip MV Moonta 1946

She continued her Australian coastal service until 1955, when she was sold to the Greek Hellenic Mediterranean Lines for cruising.

Her new owners doubled her passenger capacity and renamed her Lydia, giving her a new lease on life.

She remained in Greek cruise service until 1966, when Hellenic Mediterranean laid her up.

Australian Coastal Cruises

The MV Moonta was a beloved Australian coastal passenger cargo liner that operated from 1931 to 1955. It was built in 1931 by Burmeister & Wain shipyard in Copenhagen, Denmark.

The Moonta was known for its comfortable accommodations and public rooms, which made it a popular choice for travelers. It accommodated 150 passengers.

One of the highlights of the Moonta was its three lounges: the Social Hall, Smoke Room, and the ever-popular Wintergarden. These lounges provided a comfortable space for passengers to relax and socialize.

The ship also featured a walk-around promenade deck and a spacious sports deck above. This allowed passengers to enjoy the fresh air and take in the scenic views of the Australian coastline.

The Moonta's Gulf Trip was a 4-day journey that departed from Port Adelaide on Saturday and returned on Friday morning.

Service and Trips

White Cruise Ship Sailing on the Sea
Credit: pexels.com, White Cruise Ship Sailing on the Sea

The MV Moonta was designed for the Spencer Gulf route, departing from Port Adelaide, and made her maiden voyage on November 28, 1931.

She started service with a six-day itinerary, usually making four or five calls along the way, and became known for her excellent service and relaxing voyages.

The Moonta was the perfect "romantic holiday" ship, offering a unique and enjoyable experience for its passengers.

On her Spencer Gulf route, the Moonta would disembark in Adelaide and end in Port Lincoln, providing a scenic and leisurely journey for those on board.

The Moonta's route and itinerary remained largely unchanged throughout her early years of service, with a focus on providing a high-quality experience for her passengers.

In 1955, the Moonta began to sit idle as the Adelaide Steamship company decided what to do with the aging vessel, but she was eventually overhauled and put on the Bass Strait run in July of that year.

She served on this route until November, when she was sold off without ceremony, marking the end of an era for the MV Moonta.

Gretchen Gerhold

Writer

Gretchen Gerhold has established herself as a prolific writer, covering a diverse range of topics including logistics, trade, and economic development. Her articles on container terminals and the logistics sector in India provide deep insights into the complexities of modern supply chain management. Focusing on the state of Kerala, her work on the economy and transport in Kochi highlights the region's significant contributions to India's economic landscape.

Love What You Read? Stay Updated!

Join our community for insights, tips, and more.