Wanliu III

History
The Wanliu III, Wenchow III and the Woosung III were a class of ships, of a novel design, for operation on the stormy winter North Atlantic service. All crew accommodation was situated mid-ship, the cabins being inboard with a 9ft. outside gallery along the port and starboard sides, and along the frontage. The messes being outboard were incorporated in the gallery. The aim of the design was to ensure that the crew did not have to go on deck, unless essential during the frequent winter storms encountered. "Knuckles" were incorporated fore and aft, to increase the bouyancy during the heavy pitching encountered.

October 1949. Delivered as the Wanstead. employed on the London-Antwerp-Canadian East coast service.

1957. Chartered to Port Line. Renamed Port Wanstead.

1960. Reverted to Wanstead

Jan 1964. On 9 month charter to Lamport & Holt. Renamed "Raeburn III". On the end of the charter renamed "Wanstead", then placed on demise charter to John Swire & Sons, renamed "Wanliu". Employed on the Australia-Japan service - wool trade.

1968. Bibby Bros. bought the Britain S.S.Co. and offered the three vessels for sale.

1969. The Wansted and her sister, "Wendover" were purchased by CNCo. and continued in the same service.

January 1975. Sold to Maldives Shipping Co., Maldives. Renamed "Maldive Explorer"

June 11th.1978. Arrived at Gadani Beach for demolition.

Events / Stories
The incident which occurred whilst loading logs in the Philippines on the delivery voyage to Hong Kong, resulting in the murder of the Watts, Watts Master by the Charterer's Agent, should be told by Commodore Drewery, who was there as part of the CNCo familiarisation team.

To say that Bibbys offered the three sisters for sale, and CNCo bought them, is factually accurate but glosses over a nice point. The five year charters with Watts, Watts included a purchase option, and Bibbys helpfully drew CNCo's attention to this, but were informed that the market had gone down, and whilst CNCo were happy to buy the ships, they would only do so at the market price. This was considered unsporting by Bibbys.