IPU was built in 1905 by Fredrikstad Mek. Verkstad at Fredrikstad with a tonnage of 686grt, a length of 191ft 1in, a beam of 33ft 1in and a service speed of 10 knots.

She was built as the coastal cargo vessel Ipu for Empreza de Nav. Lorentzen of Para in Brazil and acquired by Union-Castle in 1915 for service at Beira.

1917 Chartered by The Admiralty as Transport on East African coast

Sold to Glendinning Steamship Co. of London in 1923 she was renamed Chyko and in February 1925 was wrecked after stranding.

Ipu

A watercolour by Owen Keen

As Chyko