ProvenanceThe MV ‘Troubridge’ was the Adelaide Steamship Company's, and South Australia's, first roll-on-roll-off ship. Discussions began in 1957 between the district councils of Kangaroo Island and various Adelaide based shipping companies in order to organise a ship and route that could handle the bulk transport of goods and trailers necessary. The South Australian Government promised to support the venture. Until that time the KARATTA and ketch trade had catered to Kangaroo Island's trading and transport needs.
TROUBRIDGE succeeded the popular KARATTA and MINNIPA on the Kangaroo Island and Port Lincoln run. It cost 1.3 million pounds to build the ship, although the project in all cost over 2 million pounds. It was launched in 1960 by Lady Playford, wife of Premier Sir Thomas Playford. Originally the TROUBRIDGE made two calls a week to Port Lincoln but was withdrawn from the run in 1971 for failing to make a profit. It was the Adelaide Steamship Company's last vessel. In 1972 it was sold to the State Government and re-commenced the Adelaide/Kingscote/Port Lincoln service. TROUBRIDGE ceased trading and was laid up in Port Adelaide in 1987 and was replaced by more modern ferries travelling from Cape Jervis to Penneshaw. It is remembered fondly for its modern lines, however, many also remember its rocky trips across Backstairs Passage.SignificanceIllustrative of the ephemera produced by the Adelaide Steamship Company for passengers aboard their vessels.DescriptionWhite paper serviette, with printing "The Adelaide Steamship Company Limited M. V. Troubridge"in red in an arc around the red, white and blue house flag.Creator (person)Creator (organisation)AcknowledgementDate of Creationc1960Date of Usage1960sMaterialPaper Accession NumberHT 1987.1610
