In loading sea going vessels with coal, the existing practice is to effect the operation by means of a staith, to which thc coal is brought in railway waggons from which it is tipped or discharged into a shoot pertaining to the staith and having a considerable inclination so as to cause the coal to run down it to the vessel. Owing to the height of the vessels out of the water and the great length and inclination of the shoot above them, the waggons usually require to be raised to a great height above the quay at the loading berth, or to be brought to the staith at a high level, in order to enable the coal to be tipped or discharged into the elevated end of the shoot and run down it to the vessel. This involves considerable expense for the first cost of staiths of adequate height and for hoisting power, or of the works necessary for bringing the waggons forward at a high level.

The coal staiths at which vessels are loaded have hitherto been stationary, and the railway waggons which bring the coal are run onto or transferred to the staiths by means of railway lines and turntables which also are fixed. The staiths being fixed, and the distances apart of the vessels hatchways being variable, it is extremely rare that a vessel can be loaded with coals at more than one hatchway or place at the same time and there consequently ensues much delay to the vessel as well as a long occupation of the loading berth which restricts the working power of the dock within narrow limits.

My Invention has for its objects to improve the means of transferring coal from the railway or siding at or near the loading berth to which it is brought in railway waggons and to enable the loading of a vessel to be carried on simultaneously at different hatchways.