The SS Athelstane was a sizable tanker built in 1941 by Swan, Hunter & Wigham Richardson Ltd in Wallsend, Northumberland, UK. Originally launched as Empire Flint, she measured 483 feet 1 inch (147.24 meters) in overall length, with a beam of 59 feet 4 inches (18.08 meters). Her depth was 33 feet 8 inches (10.26 meters), and her draught was approximately 27 feet 6.75 inches (8.40 meters). The vessel had a gross register tonnage (GRT) of 8,129, a net register tonnage (NRT) of 4,630, and a deadweight tonnage (DWT) of 11,952. Propelled by a triple-expansion steam engine rated at 629 n horsepower, she drove a single screw propeller, capable of reaching speeds up to 11.25 knots. The engine cylinders measured 26½, 44, and 73 inches in diameter, emphasizing her robust engineering suited for wartime service. Commissioned for the UK Ministry of War Transport, Empire Flint was launched on 29 March 1941 and completed by August of the same year. She was registered in London with the official number 165814 and Code Letters BCKS. Her operational management was under the Anglo-Saxon Petroleum Co. Ltd. During WWII, Empire Flint participated actively in numerous convoy operations across the Atlantic, Mediterranean, and West African waters. She transported vital cargoes such as petrol, avgas, and gasoil, often joining convoys like EC 66, HX 153, ON 32, and many others, underscoring her role in supporting Allied logistics. Her service included transatlantic crossings, participation in Mediterranean routes, and supply runs along West African coasts. Post-war, in 1945, she was sold to Athel Line Ltd and renamed Athelstane, becoming the fourth ship bearing that name. Later, she changed ownership and name again—becoming Oakley in 1952 under Norwegian registry and later operated by Harald A. Moller A/S until her final days. The vessel was scrapped in Hamburg in February 1962, marking the end of her maritime career. The SS Athelstane’s extensive wartime convoy participation and longevity exemplify her importance in Allied maritime logistics and her adaptability through different ownerships and roles until her scrapping.

This description has been generated using GPT-4.1-NANO based on the Vessel's wikidata information and then modified by ShipIndex.org staff.