APPLELEAF (1976)

[Dennis Maccoy]

The RFA tanker Appleleaf, seen at Wallsend on 28 June 1980, was originally one of the last vessels ordered by John Hudson Fuel and Shipping (perhaps better known as the Hudson Steamship Co.). Completed by Cammell Laird in 1976 she never traded for Hudson and was finally converted to an RFA on the Tyne. One of four similar vessels ordered by Hudson from Cammell Laird, all of which eventually became RFA ships, she was sold to the Australian navy in 1989 and became the RAN replenisnment vessel Westralia.

[Whickham]

In 2007 WESTRALIA was sold and renamed SHIRAZ.
Finally arrived at Aliaga 16/01/2010 for breaking up by Leyal Ship Recycling Ltd
This photo by Selim San taken 4 days later.

Photo by Selim San