These three ships were built for Universe Tankships in the company shipyard in Kure, Japan. They were built more or less along the same lines as the tankers built in the same yard. These were single screw ore ships, and again, they used parts salvaged and scrounged from surplus.
Because the three Ore Chief class ships were of too deep draft to take a full load of ore down the Orinoco River, these somewhat smaller and shallower draft ore ships were built to navigate the river and take full loads. Following these three was another slightly larger class of seven ore ships built to continue the job.
| Ship | Hull# | Built | GRT | DWT | Length | Beam | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ore Prince | 48 | 1956 | 15,652 | 44,675 | 735’6″ | 98’4″ | Lead ship in a new class of larger single screw ore carriers. Engine made 1945, fitted 1956. |
| Ore Regent | 49 | 1956 | 15,655 | 44,632 | 735’6″ | 98’4″ | Like Ore Prince. Engine made 1945, fitted 1956. Converted to bauxite carrier, La Spezia, Italy 1969. In bauxite trade in Australia until 1973. Returned to Kure and National Bulk Carriers. Renamed Sea Navigator. Converted to wood pulp hulk in South America before being scrapped in 1979. |
| Ore Monarch | 50 | 1956 | 15,665 | 44,632 | 735’6″ | 98’4″ | Like Ore Prince. Engine made 1945, fitted 1956. |
