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 29/12/1943, keel laid 01/10/1944, launched 23/08/1945 and completed 15/11/1945.
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 Cockatoo Docks & Engineering Co. Pty. Ltd., Sydney - 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 Murray" until Oct.1947 when management was transferred to the Australian Shipping Board. In Mar.1957 management was transferred to the Australian National Line.
The "River Murray" was sold in Aug.1959 to Albert G.Sims ltd., Australia. In Sept.1959 ownership was transferred to Hang Fung Shipping & Trading Co. Ltd. Hong Kong.
In Nov.1959 the vessel arrived at Osaka, Japan, for demolition by Sumitomo Shoji Kaisha K.K. Demolition began at Kawasaki in Dec.1959.