Half block model of MV MORESBY

Datebefore 1965

Object number00047619

NameHalf block model

MediumWood

DimensionsOverall: Height: 400 mm, width: 2200 mm, depth: 180 mm

ClassificationsModels

Credit LineANMM Collection Transfer from Australian Maritime Safety Authority

Terms

DescriptionHalf block model of the MV MORESBY mounted on a polished wooden board and featuring a plaque that reads: "MV MORSBY/ CARGO MOTOR SHIP".HistoryMV MORESBY was built by the Newcastle State Dockyard for Burns Philp & Co. and launched in March 1965. The new cargo vessel was commissioned to replace MALAITA, however unlike its predecessor MORESBY contained no passenger accommodation. The vessel was mainly employed in carrying cargo to New Guinea however towards the end of the 1960s the company found its shipping sector operating at a loss and MORESBY was listed for sale. The vessel was sold in 1970 to Neptune Orient Lines of Singapore and renamed NEPTUNE JADE. After five years with Neptune Orient Lines the ship was sold on to Assalamah Shipping Co. Ltd. Burns Philp & Co. is an important feature in the history of Australian maritime industries. Originating as a trading company in Townsville in the 1870s, Burns Philp developed its own shipping line and trading empire throughout northern Australia, New Guinea and the Pacific Islands, along with a network of plantations in the islands. By the 1920s it was a household name, operating a fleet of large main-line ships in conjunction with a fleet of smaller inter-island ships. Burns Philp passenger liners were well-appointed and well known, with their black and white chequered funnels and the Burns Philp thistle on the house flag. During World War II both ships and personnel were taken into war service, and the company's specialised knowledge of the Pacific was put to use by Allied commanders. Burns Philp resumed operations and commissioned new ships after World War II, but sold its last ship in 1971, only a year after the company sold MV MORESBY. In the 1980s the company made vast operating changes which resulted in an organisation bearing little relation to the past shipping and trading company, and brought it to near-bankruptcy. It continues to exist but has no maritime connection. SignificanceBefore a ship was built a half model such as this was created as a means of planning a vessel's design and to demonstrate the vessel's dimensions to clients and ship builders. These skilfully crafted models are replicas of their full scale counterparts and provide important information relating to the design and build of individual vessels. This model represents Burns Philp & Co.'s MV MORESBY, which was one of the last ships in operation for this iconic Australian organisation.