Penarth Dock, South Wales - the heritage and legacy

Volume Six - Pre-Victorian to the Present Day - Select Aspects - Working the Ely Tidal Harbour . . .

Esso Lyndhurst entering the River Ely Tidal Harbour, Penarth Dock.

The Esso Petroleum Company Limited had numerous coastal tankers similar to the 'Esso Lyndhurst', seen here entering the river Ely in August 1970. Thanks to Andrew Wiltshire and his book "Bristol Channel Shipping Memories" for the image. She was a regular on the run between Avonmouth and the Ely terminal providing fuel for bunkering ships at all the South Wales Ports. Built at the Henry Scarr yard in Hessle on Humberside during 1958, she was 856 gross tons, she was sold to Saudi owners in 1980 and was most likely scrapped by the end of the decade. Note, just to the right of the house the northern toll house of the Penarth subway may be seen. [254]

Esso Dover on the River Ely, Penarth Dock

The 'Esso Dover' of 490 gross registered tons, taken from an almost identical location, fully laden in July 1970. She was built at J. Bolson & Son, launched in December 1960. She stayed with Esso until 1980 and after had a checkered life and was in service until 2001. This image is from the book 'Coasters of South Wales' by Bernard McCall a highly recommended read for all the nostalgic ship lovers amongst us. [187] [188]

Esso 'Caernarvon', was often engaged for the transportation of crude oil to the River Ely oil wharf. She was built at the North Sands yard of J. L. Thompson & Sons Limited at Sunderland for the Esso Petroleum Company Limited of London. Launched during May 1962 she was of 1,103 gross and 525 net register tons (1,575 dwt) and 231 ft. 4 in. long x 35 ft. 11 in. breath x 14 ft. 3 in. draft. In 1986 she changed ownership to C. Crawley Limited of San Lorenzo and was still in service in 2015. [818]

Esso 'Penzance' moored at the Ely Tidal oil wharf during the 1980's. She was launched in December 1970 at the Aplledore yard of Babcock Marine, being 91.4 feet long x 12.8 breath with a speed of 13.5 knots. She was sold and renamed three times and was scrapped during April 2008. [000] [002]