Built by the Broken Hill Proprietary Co. Ltd. Whyalla S.A., this vessel was one of the "A" class built to Plan No. RH 1/2. It was ordered 20/10/1941, keel laid 01/11/1942, launched 27/03/1944 and completed 07/09/1944.
It had a complete shelter deck with forecastle.
All accomodation was amidships.
The deck machinery consisted of 12 - 5 ton derricks and 1 - 20 ton heavy derrick. Also 13 - 8x12 inch steam winches, including warping winch.
Propulsion machinery - built by Australian Iron & Steel Ltd., Port Kembla - was the triple expansion steam type with an exhaust turbine fitted. Steam was suplied by 2 B&W water tube boilers. Giving an average service speed of 12 knots.
Howard Smith Ltd. was appointed to operate the "River Derwent" until Oct.1947 when the Australian Shipping Board assumed the management. In Jan.1957 management was transferred to the Australian National Line.
"River Derwent" was sold to Interstate SS Ltd, Aust, Jan 1959 and renamed "Echunga".
In Nov.1961 the vessel was sold to Heilgers (Eastern) Ltd., Hong Kong, and renamed "North Point".
The vessel was driven aground on East Brothers Island, Hong Kong on the 1st. Sept.1962 by Typhoon "Wanda". It was refloated on the 18th. Sept.1962 but was declared a total loss.
During 1962 the vessel was sold to Mollers Ltd. for demolition at Hong Kong and work started in Dec.