Seniority was an cargo ship which was built in 1942 as Empire Boswell for the Ministry of War Transport (MoWT). Postwar she was sold into merchant service as Aviswell and Seniority, serving until she ran aground on 7 November 1950. Although refloated, she sank on 8 November 1950.
The ship was built by William Gray & Co. Ltd., West Hartlepool.[1] She was yard number 738. Launched as Empire Boswell on 2 June 1942, she was completed in August 1942.[1]
The ship was 315feet long, with a beam of 46feet and a depth of 23feet. She was propelled by a triple expansion steam engine which had cylinders of 20inches, 34inches and 55inches bore by 39inches stroke. The engine was built by the Central Marine Engine Works, West Hartlepool.[2]
Empire Boswell's port of registry was West Hartlepool. She was initially operated under the management of Currie Line Ltd.[2] She was a member of a number of convoys during the Second World War.
In 1945, management of Empire Boswell was transferred to the British-India Steam Navigation Company.[6] In 1947, Empire Boswell was sold to Aviation & Shipping Co Ltd and renamed Aviswell. She was operated under the management of Purvis Shipping Co Ltd.[1]
In 1949, Aviswell was sold to F T Everard & Co Ltd and renamed Seniority. On 7 November 1950, Seniority ran aground at Leinish Point, Inner Hebrides (56.95°N -33°W). Although refloated, she sank the next day off the Bo Vich Chuan Rock.[1]
Official Numbers were a forerunner to IMO Numbers. The ship had the UK Official Number 168945. Empire Boswell used the Code Letters BCBP.[2]