SS Pinnau

The ship was built in 1922 by Nobiskrug Werft GmbH, Rendsburg.[1]

The ship was 250 feet 0 inches (76.20 m) long, with a beam of 37 feet 5 inches (11.40 m) and a depth of 12 feet 8 inches (3.86 m). The ship had a GRT of 1,198 and a NRT of 638.[2]

The ship was propelled by a triple expansion steam engine, which had cylinders of 17+3⁄4 inches (45 cm), 28+1⁄2 inches (72 cm) and 45+1⁄4 inches (115 cm) diameter by 29+1⁄2 inches (75 cm) stroke. The engine was built by Ottensener Maschinenbau, Altona.[2]

Pinnau was built for Bugsier Reederei & Bergungs AG, Hamburg.[1] Her port of registry was Hamburg. The Code Letters RCPJ were allocated.[2] On 8 October 1931, Pinnau was in port at Leningrad, Soviet Union, where there was a dock strike. At 14:30, some 15 or 20 sailors tried to board Pinnau to search the ship. They were repelled by the crew, but not without injuries being sustained.[3] On 16 November 1933, Pinnau was driven ashore in the Koivisto Sound, Soviet Union. She was bound for Amsterdam, Netherlands with a cargo of timber.[4] She was refloated on 20 November.[5] In 1934, her Code Letters were changed to DHTG.[6] In 1937, she was listed as 1,200 GRT, 617 NRT.[7]

In May 1945, Pinnau was seized by the Allies at Lübeck. She was passed to the MoWT and renamed Empire Constructor.[1] Her port of registry was changed to London and she was placed under the management of Frank S Dawson Ltd. The Code Letters GFZX and United Kingdom Official Number 180610 were allocated. She was listed as 1,201 GRT, 616 NRT.[8] In 1947, Empire Constructor was sold to J Carlbom & Co Ltd, Hull and was renamed Estkon. She served until 1959 when she was scrapped at Newport, Monmouthshire.[1]