It was a Wilh. Wilhelmsen cargo ship that was amongst the first to sail under the Bridge during the official opening in 1932.
“Just as the type of transport over the Bridge has changed since the early cars and steam locomotives, the vessels that sail under the Bridge today are quite different to those of 75 years ago,” Peter Dexter, chair of Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics Oceania, notes.
“When our ship MV Temeraire sailed in the 1932 procession under the Bridge, we mainly carried wool and metals out of Australia for Europe. MV Texas carries cars, mining and agricultural machinery into Australia from Europe, North America and South Africa. It is almost twice as long as the MV Temeraire and ten times larger,” he said.
“This event symbolises the continuous relationship the company has had with Sydney and Australia over 112 years. Adding to this, our former managing director, Thor Thorvaldson sailed on MV Temeraire. Thor is now 101 years old and whilst he will be watching the event on television, his heart and thoughts will be with those participating in this memorable event”.
Wilh. Wilhelmsen ships have been part of Australia’s trading with the world – and part of Sydney as a working port – since 1895. Today the MV Texas and 59 other Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics vessels call at Australian ports regularly, moving some 475 459 tonnes of cargo each year, including 148 619 cars.
The MV Texas released clouds of orange smoke from generators on its stauncheons, and sounded blasts from percussion tubes on deck every few seconds as it headed the parade under the Bridge. Its fog horn saluted the Bridge as the ship passed underneath and this was answered by a horn at the Maritime Museum.
Two vessels abreast, representing each decade from the 1930s to today, followed MV Texas in the parade, sounding whistles and horns.
Temeraire in Sydney Harbour 1932
Photos: The Australian Maritime Museum