RMS Rangitata Overview and History

The RMS Rangitata was a New Zealand-owned passenger liner that played a significant role in the country's maritime history.

Built in 1928, the Rangitata was designed to cater to the growing demand for passenger travel between New Zealand and the UK.

It was a significant investment for the New Zealand Shipping Co., with a cost of £350,000, a substantial amount for its time.

The Rangitata was launched on April 11, 1929, and began its maiden voyage from London to Wellington on May 3, 1929.

It was a popular choice among passengers, offering comfortable accommodations and modern amenities.

The ship was powered by a combination of reciprocating steam engines and a Parsons turbine, giving it a top speed of 16 knots.

The RMS Rangitata set sail from Auckland on January 24, 1953, bound for Southampton via Panama and Curacao.

The ship was commanded by Comm. G. Kinnell, O.B.E., with a crew of experienced officers and engineers, including Chief Officer D. A. G. Dickens and Chief Engineer J. H. Anderson.

The Rangitata had a diverse range of passengers on board, including Mrs. N. R. Allan and Group Capt. R. A. C. Carter, R.A.F., who were traveling with their families.

Here's a list of some of the notable passengers on board:

The Rangitata's departure from Auckland marked the beginning of a long journey to the United Kingdom, with stops at Panama and Curacao along the way.

The RMS Rangitata was a New Zealand shipping company's vessel that operated from 1925 to 1966, making it a significant part of the country's maritime history.

It had a gross tonnage of 1,244 tons and a length of 250 feet, which was a considerable size for its time.

The Rangitata played a crucial role in New Zealand's economy, transporting goods and people between the country's ports and its major cities.

It had a top speed of 12 knots, which allowed it to make timely deliveries and keep schedules on track.

The vessel's cargo capacity was 150 tons, which was impressive for a ship of its size.

The Rangitata's service was not limited to New Zealand, as it also operated in the Pacific Islands and other parts of the world.

Its service life spanned over four decades, during which it underwent several renovations and upgrades to maintain its performance and efficiency.

The Rangitata was eventually sold and scrapped in 1966, marking the end of an era for New Zealand's shipping industry.

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The RMS Rangitata was a vessel of the New Zealand Shipping Company, which absorbed the Federal Steam Navigation Company in 1912.

It was originally built for the Federal line but transferred to NZSC in 1936, and was scrapped in 1962.

The ship was used as a government transport, starting with war service from 4 December 1939, and is depicted here in overall grey livery.

You can see a radar lantern on the bridge of the ship, and it's passing into London's Royal Docks from the King George V Dock lock.

Three tugs belong to well-known London-based tug owning companies.