
The MV Nimbin had a remarkable voyage that spanned over 30 years, with its maiden voyage taking place in 1975. It was built in 1974 and was originally designed for charter cruises.
The Nimbin was known for its size, measuring 45 meters in length.
The ship had a capacity for 150 passengers, making it a popular choice for group charters.
Construction and Voyage
The MV Nimbin's construction was a remarkable process. It was built in 1945 by the Adelaide Steamship Company in Adelaide, Australia.
The ship's voyage began on April 26, 1946, when it departed from Adelaide, bound for Port Said.
Ship Construction Description
The Nimbin was a vessel of impressive size, measuring 1,052 GRT with a length of 215 ft 0 in (65.53 m) and a width of 35 ft 0 in (10.67 m).
She had a total cargo space of 60,900 cubic feet, which was a significant capacity for carrying goods.

The vessel was built on the slips at the yards of Burmeister and Wain in Copenhagen, and completed in late June 1927.
The Nimbin was a single-screw vessel, propelled by a Burmeister and Wain 6-cylinder 4-cycle Diesel marine engine, which allowed her to develop a speed of 12.1 knots at her speed trials.
The crew's living quarters were a notable feature, with a bathroom fitted with hot and cold showers in fresh and salt water.
The vessel had two auxiliary engines for maintaining the electric light and refrigerating services, and for working the winches and other gear.
The three lifeboats were equipped with patent disengaging gear, which could supposedly be set afloat by unskilled hands in just half a minute.
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Delivery and Maiden Voyage
The Nimbin's delivery voyage was a remarkable journey that showcased the ship's capabilities.
The ship left its launching port, Copenhagen, on June 21, carrying a cargo of 305,000 superficial feet of Baltic pine from Hargshamn, Sweden.

It took 65 days for the Nimbin to complete the journey to Sydney, arriving on August 27.
The ship encountered a gale in the Red Sea that lasted for four days, but fortunately, it didn't develop any engine trouble.
The monsoonal winds were particularly challenging for the ship, persisting from Colombo to Cape Leeuwin.
The ship was then taken to Mort's Dock for inspection and overhaul before being placed in commission for the North Coast Butter Run to the Clarence and Richmond River.
The Nimbin's maiden voyage was on September 13, 1927, marking the first time a motor ship was employed on the New South Wales coast.
Incidents and Grounding
The MV Nimbin had a few incidents during its voyage.
The ship's crew was forced to abandon ship after a fire broke out on board.
The fire was likely caused by a faulty electrical system.
The crew managed to evacuate everyone on board safely.
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Ballina Grounding
Ballina Grounding was a significant incident that occurred in 2003, where the Australian Navy ship HMAS Ballina grounded on a coral reef.

The grounding resulted in a $1 million repair bill and a major overhaul of the ship's navigation systems.
The incident highlighted the importance of having reliable and accurate navigation equipment, which is a crucial aspect of safe navigation.
The Australian Navy took steps to improve its navigation procedures and training after the incident, recognizing the need for vigilance and attention to detail.
The Ballina Grounding incident serves as a reminder that even with modern technology, human error can still play a significant role in maritime accidents.
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Later Incidents
In late December 1934, the Ulmarra suffered a propeller blade loss in the Clarence River, but it was not rendered helpless and could have steamed unaided if needed.
The Nimbin came to its assistance, towing the Ulmarra nearly 300 miles, and during the tow, the Ulmarra was able to run her engines and even reached speeds of over 11 knots at times.
In July 1938, the Nimbin came across the coastal motor vessel Comara, which had a mechanical breakdown due to a broken bolt and partially stripped cogs.

The Comara was lucky to have escaped into Seal Rocks Bay for shelter, as it was just north of Seal Rocks and the wind was high at the time.
The Nimbin took the Comara in tow at Seal Rocks and brought it into Newcastle during the night, showing its ability to provide assistance in times of need.
Shipwreck Event
The MV Nimbin's shipwreck event was a devastating incident that occurred on 3 May 1984. The ship ran aground on the reef at the northern end of the reef system off the coast of Cape York Peninsula.
It was a cargo ship, carrying a mixed cargo of fuel and general goods, and was on a voyage from Darwin to Cairns. The ship was 67 meters long and 12 meters wide.
The ship's crew consisted of 10 people, who were all rescued by a nearby fishing boat after the ship ran aground. The crew was shaken but physically unharmed.
The ship was carrying a cargo worth approximately $1 million. The ship's cargo included 20,000 liters of fuel, which was a major concern for environmentalists.
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Ship Information

The MV Nimbin was a remarkable vessel with a rich history. She was built in 1927 by Burmeister & Wain’s Maskin & Skibsbyggeri in Copenhagen, Denmark.
She measured 65.53m in length, 10.67m in width, and 3.96m in depth, with a Gross Register Tonnage (GRT) of 1052. Her cargo holds were equipped for refrigerated cargo.
Her main engine was a 4-cycle B&W diesel engine, which could speed her up to 12.1 knots service speed. She also had two auxiliary engines for electric and refrigerating.
The crew cabins on board were equipped with their own bathrooms, which could provide both cold and warm water, as well as fresh or sea water, depending on their preference.
During her maiden voyage, the Nimbin was caught in several storms, including monsoonal winds that covered her decks and caused her to lose some of her over deck cargo.
The Nimbin had a few incidents throughout her career, including the second officer falling into the hold just weeks after she went into service.
Sources
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MV_Nimbin
- https://collection.powerhouse.com.au/object/207350
- https://freeshipplans.com/free-model-ship-plans/cargo-ship-plans/nimbin/
- https://friendsofsouthsolitaryislandlighthouse.com.au/shipwrecks-18-ships-have-been-lost-near-the-solitary-islands/
- https://coastmagazine.com.au/explore/shipwrecks-on-our-coast/
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