ssMaritime
Adelaide
Steamship Company Limited
MV Moonta
Postcard of the Adelaide Steamship Co MV Moonta
From the author’s private collection
Part One - MV Moonta
The much loved
Australian coastal passenger cargo liner, MV Moonta was built in 1931 by
Burmeister & Wain shipyard in
This souvenir MV Moonta matches holder is 2
3/8” X 1 3/4"
was made by Angus & Coote,
Sydney. It features the Company flag
Sent in by a supporter
Moonta would depart
Adelaide for her six day voyage on Saturday at
Whilst visiting these ports optional tours were available for her passengers to explore the many wonders to be found in the region. But many sailed on the Moonta just to enjoy the relaxation and entertainment that was on offer on board. However, she also offered good and reliable service, excellent and plentiful meals and comfortable accommodation. Then there was always time to play deck games, having fun in the pool, attend the dance at night as well as the special events such as fancy dress. Moonta became well known as being the perfect ship for a “Romantic Holiday” and fares started from just £6 that is AU$12.
An Adelaide Steamship Co advertisement –
It is only 6 pound – How things have changed
It is from $120 per day PP these days in a twin
cabin
From the author’s private collection
The Moonta did serve during WWII, although little information is available, but she did have a gun mounted on her fantail. As a passenger ship the MV Moonta certainly had a successful career, however by the early fifties both road and rail transport began to damage the profitability of the cargo trade and thus Moonta’s profitability also commenced to suffer. In addition passenger numbers was slowly dropping off therefore the Adelaide Steamship Company decided to retire the Moonta in 1955 after 24 years of faithful service, and placed on the market. Upon completion of her Australian coastal career the Moonta had sailed some 750,000 miles in addition she had carried around 95,000 passengers, which is quite an achievement for this remarkable, yet a small ship!
Specifications – MV Moonta:
Built at: 1931
Burmeister & Wain shipyard in
Delivered:
Tonnage: 2,693
Length: 298ft
Width: 44ft
Draught: 15.10ft
Engines: B&W
diesels
Screws: Single
Speed: 12.5
knots, max 13 knots
Passengers: 155
Part Two – MV Lydia
Postcard of the MV Lydia
From the author’s private collection
The Moonta was sold to the Hellenic Maritime Lines who then sailed her to Piraeus were she received a refit and her accommodations was extensively remodelled as she now had what was called “Uniclass” accommodations, with cabins in five grades, A to E, which were on A and B decks. They comprised of 4 A grade with two beds with private facilities, 15 B grade singles, 14 C grade double cabins all on A deck. Grades D and E was made up of 4 and 6 berth cabins located on A and B decks. There were also dormitories with a total of 123 berths, which were located forward on B deck. She could also transport up to 180 deck (day) passengers between ports.
Renamed MV Lydia she was placed on the
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Part Three – Casino Le
The ex Moonta, Lydia proved to be a lucky ship, as the MV Lydia was purchased by a French company named “SEMETA” (Société d’Economie Mixte d’Etudes et d’Amenagement des Pyrénées Orientales) and she would be used as a maritime symbol to mark the creation a new style resort at the Ports of Barcarès and Leucate located on the Mediterranean coast of France.
The
Postcard of the
From the author’s private collection
Thankfully she is superbly maintained at all
times
Unknown photographer - *Please see the photo notes at the
bottom of page
The Lydia, ex Moonta has since become a popular attraction at this Mediterranean resort and is she now known as the “Casino Le Lydia” and now part of a leisure complex that has many features on board, such as casino, a restaurant, bar, a disco with laser shows, a pool with a waterslide, a spa, as well as an exhibition centre.
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A Photo Gallery of “Casino Le
All “Casino le Lydia images on this page are by
unknown photographers
*Please see the photo notes at the bottom of page
Today she is known as “Casino Le Lydia”
A good view of the stern of the
The bow of the Moonta, now
A side view of the ship
Australia had some remarkable passenger
liners sailing its coastline in its day, such as its most famed flagship the
TSMV Kanimbla, Manunda, and the Manoora, as well as many others, but the ex MV
Moonta is Australia’s sole survivor that remains with us today from our
many coastal liners of the past and she continues live on and there is no doubt
that in many ways this fine old ship will inspire countless future generations
I hope and pray that the youth of tomorrow will discover what ships used to be
like, as they roam this ships delightful old lounges and stairwells, which
remain much in their original condition with its superb woodwork. Long live the
Moonta – Thank you France!
Memories of a fine little Ship!
This Superb photograph of MV Lydia is a
good reminder of what really is a good little Ship!
From the author’s private
collection
Online in the near future
Page Two … A photographic tour of the interiors and the
exterior of the
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Who is the Author of ssMaritime?
Commenced
in the passenger Shipping Industry in May 1960
Also
visit my …
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