by magoonigal » Fri Jun 01, 2012 10:06 pm
Very interesting, George.
According to Haws she was purchased on the stocks to replace another Tanker owned by the Union Company that had just been lost called OROWAITI.
The OROWAITI was also purchased on the stocks to ensure a regular suppy of Fuel Oil to New Zealand as the Company were converting and building 'Oil Fired Ships'. Cory's were set up as Managers.
The OTOKIA had twin Sulzer engines driving twin screws and giving her a speed of 11 Knots. Haws has her Chartered to Wm Cory rather than Managed but that's probably splitting hairs. Both vessels sported the 'Black Diamond'.
By the early 1930's commercial interests were delivering sufficiant supplies of oil to New Zealand and the need for the Company to have its own Tanker were reduced.
She was laid-up at Wellington on the 20th February 1933 and sold to Nippon Tanker KK, Tokyo (Reg Panama) in 1935.
1937 saw her under the Ownership of Cia Maritima Istmenia Ltda, Panama and, as George says, renamed PANAM.
In 1943 she was taken over by the Panamanian Government.
Paul Hood. + WSS Tyneside Branch Hon Sec.