Floating crane made in Paisley almost 100 years ago undergoes transformation ahead of special anniversary

dailyrecord.co.uk:

A Paisley-built floating crane which travelled thousands of miles to New Zealand is undergoing a transformation as it prepares to mark its 100th anniversary.In 1926, the Hikitia vessel set off on the almost 10,000 nautical mile journey across the Atlantic and Indian oceans.The hull of the unique ship was built by Fleming and Ferguson in their Phoenix Works in the town and the crane was built by Houston engineer Sir William Arrol and Co.

of Glasgow.Taking 84 days, the treacherous voyage – which saw the crew battle rough seas and high winds – ended in the Port of Wellington, with the unique crane arriving to great fanfare on December 21, 1926.The ship spent almost 70 years as a workhorse in Wellington, carrying out all types of construction projects and was involved in handling war material for Wellington during the Second World War.She also spent some time helping to demolish the wreck of the Wahine which sank on April 10, 1968 – killing 53 people – and is considered New Zealand’s worst modern maritime disaster.Renfrewshire Live, the new free app dedicated to bringing you around the clock breaking news, is now available to download.Powered by the Paisley Daily Express, Renfrewshire Live is your go-to source for news, features and sport with live coverage provided direct to the app, seven days a week.The dedicated team of experienced journalists, responsible for the publication of the award-winning Express, will focus on breaking news, day and night, across Renfrewshire’s towns and villages.There is also a dedicated St Mirren section that will follow every kick of the ball with the Buddies. Available on both Android and Apple.