New Zealand chartered merchant ships to transport soldiers to the Middle East and Europe and to bring the wounded home. These were obtained from a variety of companies, but particularly the Union Steamship Company. The ships were fitted out in New Zealand for their tasks, and refurbished before return to their owners.
There were 111 charters to transport troops overseas, and additional ones to bring them back. Some ships were used on a number of occasions.
SS MAHENO and SS MARAMA were fully equipped with operating theatres and a full staff of medical personnel, including nursing sisters, in addition to the ship's crew.