Australian Shipping Board
This organization was formed, as the Board, in March 1941 and was concerned initially with control of overseas ships chartered for the Australian coastal trade, and all ships built by Australian shipyards. Its first ship (“A” Class, later becoming popularly known as “River” Class) was commissioned in mid-1943.
By the end of the Second World War eight River class ships, all of similar design, were in cargo service with the newer ones being allocated to shipping companies for management.
Ship |
Built |
Gross Tons |
In Service |
River Burdekin |
1943 | 5003 | |
River Clarence |
1943 | 5031 | |
River Fitzroy |
1944 | 4958 | |
River Glenelg |
1944 | 4986 | |
River Loddon |
1944 | 5001 | |
River Mitta |
1945 | 5179 | |
River Murchison |
1945 | 5039 | |
River Murrumbidgee |
1945 | 5032 |
All supported coastal trading and no losses or damages are known.