Built at B.H.P. 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 01/09/1942, launched 08/09/1944 and completed 08/02/1945.
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.
The 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.
Huddart Parker Ltd. was appointed to operate the "River Murchison" until Oct.1947 when management was transferred to the Australian Shipping Board. In Feb.1957 the Australian National Line under took management of the "River Murchison"
In Feb.1963 the vessel was sold through Mitsubishi Shoji Kaisha to Amakasu Sangyo Kisen K.K. for demolition. It left Sydney in tow of tug Nissho Maru (with "River Fitzroy") for Japan. In May 1963, demolition began at Yokosuku.