Ore Convey was built as a solution to a problem. In 1954, National Bulk Carriers took delivery of the first of three 60,000 ton ore carriers (Ore Chief and her sisters) built to transport ore from the Cerro Bolivar mines in Venezuela. Loading was done in Puerto Ordaz on the Orinoco River. However, the large, twin-screw ships were to big to navigate the river easily, and were too deep draft to carry a full load. So this smaller single screw ore ship was built, fitted with conveyor system for self-unloading and was to be based at the mouth of the Orinoco to top up those larger vessels. Once alongside, she used her conveyor to finish filling the larger carriers before they departed with their loads.
| Ship | Hull# | Built | GRT | DWT | Length | Beam | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ore Convey | 47 | 1955 | 16,015 | 30,200 | 655′ | 90’4″ | Smaller single screw ore ship. Fitted with conveyor system for self-unloading. Originally intended to be based at the mouth of the Orinoco to top up vessels which could not take a full cargo downstream. Engine made 1942, boilers made 1944, fitted 1955. Sold to Self Unloaders S.A. and renamed Cavala. Sold to Gwo Feng Steel Enterprises Co. Ltd who commenced her demolition at Kaohsiung on 11 May 1983. |
