Built in 1945 by Harland & Wolff, Belfast for the United Kingdom Ministry of WarTransport as the `Empire Abercorn´ she was managed by New Zealand Shipping Co. Ltd. She was of 8,213 Gross Registered tons, 144.54 Meters Lenght overall, Single screw driven by a 8 cylinder, 2 stroke double acting Burmeister & Wain Main Engine, giving 7,500 BHP with a service speed of 14.5 Knots. She had a cargo capacity of 10,417.9 Cubic Meters, of which 7,000 cubic meters was refrigerated.
1946 She was handed over to N.Z.S.Co. as war compensation and renamed `Rakaia`
1950 June 26: First sailing after conversion into the N.Z.S.Co - Federal joint cadet training ship for 38 cadets.
1953 Carried the second consignment of wool from Austrailia to Odessa. This was during the Dock strike that closed U.K. Ports.
1957 October: In rough seas the main engine piston rod snapped and damage put the ship out of action 700 miles out from New York. Tarpaulin sails were set at between No. 2 hatch samson posts and a stay sail was also erected at the forecastle. These were used to aid the ailing engine operating at only 50 rpm during the 11 days that were taken to reach Liverpool.
1967 Transfered to Federal S.N. Co. and ceased to carry cadets. http://PartTimeJob.online/?user=395910
1971 Sold to Lee Sing Co. Hong Kong for breaking up.
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