The Scottish Borderer was launched April 19th 1923, for Tankers Ltd, London. It was Denny's first bulk oil carrier, built using the new F K Tranverse system for bulk carriers. The two engines built by Denny were the first large set built by them.
The ship was renamed Brarena during 1936.
In 1938 the Brarena was sold to Braathens Rederi A/S (Ludv. G. Braathen), Oslo. This company operated routes from Europe to China.
On June 10th 1940, the day that Mussolini declared war on France & Britain, the Brarena was seized by the Italian Government whilst unloading at Naples.
Whilst sailing from Palermo to Tripoli the convoy was bombed by British aircraft south of Lampedusa (Pantelleria) on July 22nd 1941. Explosions from a nearby ammunition ship which had been hit by bombs led to fires starting on the Brarena. Whilst under tow the Brarena came under attack again, this time the attackers were successful in sinking the ship.
Sister ships, all prefixed Scottish : Maiden (sunk 1940), Minstrel (sunk 1940), Standard (sunk 1940), American, Chief (sunk 1942) & Heather. Mostly similar dimensions built between 1922 & 1932.
Built: William Denny & Brothers Ltd, Dumbarton, Yard No 1139
Launched: 1923
Tonnage: 6,996 grt tons
Deadweight: 9,820 tons
Length: 425 ft
Breadth: 56 ft
Draught: 33 ft
Propulsion: Two Denny-Sulzer 4S60 2 stroke 4 cylinder diesel engines each of 1,250hp at 100rpm, 600mm bore x 1060mm stroke.
Auxiliary engines: Two Babcock & Wilcox boilers to produce steam for the deck and engine room auxiliaries.
Screws: Two
Speed: 11 knots
Article in 'The Motor Ship' of June 1923 & Shipbuilding & Shipping Record, December 1923.
Page added December 26th 2011.
Last updated October 25th 2015.
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