MV BOOKER VANGUARD

MV Booker Vanguard at Liverpool on 7/10/1979 Photograph © Mike Ridgard     Built: 1963 Builder: The Burntisland Shipbuilding Company Limited. Propulsion: Single-screw motorship. 6 Cylinder Sulzer engine, single screw. Tonnage: 6,660 GRT Speed: 15.5Knots Comments: Maximum flexibility in cargo handling and minimum turn-around times were the main considerations governing the design of the Booker Vanguard and her sister ship the Booker Viking. The wide twin hatches afforded direct access to almost every corner of cargo spaces. Each hold was served by two hooks, cargo handling equipment consisting of two electric cranes which rotated through 360 degrees and for derrick/cranes. The accommodation on the Booker Vanguard was planned to provide attractive and comfortable living quarters. She was sold in 1979 to Ermionis Companhia Naviera Panama, registered in Greece and renamed Katy, renamed Franky in 1981 and was finally laid up at Mombassa from 11/1983, sold for breaking at Ganani Beach Karachi, arrived 27/11/1984. Builders photograph taken at Burntisland. View from the bridge showing twin hatch arrangement. Officers dining room, with a spiral staircase leading to the lounge. Officers smoke-room and lounge.