Kaitangata II 1948-1968

Propulsion: Twin screw motor.

Built in 1948 by Henry Robb Ltd., Leith, for the USSCo. as the first ship of six specialist motor ships developed for the coastal trades, especially coal from West Coast South Island ports. She was very strongly built to cope with the bar conditions at Westport and Greymouth. She served on the New Zealand coast as a specialised motorship. 

In 1968 she was sold to Maritime (Monrovia)Inc. she was renamed Paladin.

In 1969 she was again renamed Karana III and sold in 1974 to Oportuno Navegacion. SA.  and managed by Asia African Shipping Co. Ltd. Hong Kong. Renamed Tung Pao (Panama) until 1978. 

She was sold to Syarikat Perkapalan Bersinar Sdn. Bhd. Of Kuala Lumpar.  She was managed by Kie Hock Shipping Pte.Ltd. of Singapore and renamed Gembria (Malaysia reg.) .  Following an engine room fire on 6 March 1981 off Telukbayur,  Pedang she was declared a constructive total loss and sold for scrap. She arrived at Krakatau Steel Company, Cigading on 10 August 1981. 

Owners & Previous Names: 

1948-68 USSCo

1968-1969 Maritime (Monrovia) Inc. Renamed Paladin, renamed Karana III in 1969.

1974-1978 Oportuno Navegacion. SA., managed by Asia African Shipping Co. Ltd. Hong Kong. Renamed Tung Pao (Panama)

1978-1981 Syarikat Perkapalan Bersinar Sdn. Bhd., Kuala Lumpar, managed by Kie Hock Shipping Pte. Ltd. of Singapore and renamed Gembria (Malaysia reg.)