The ESSO Petroleum Company Fleet History
In 1855, at the age of sixteen years, the American John D. Rockefeller moved into an office of commission brokers in Cleveland, Ohio, and soon after became a partner in his own firm, Clark & Rockefeller. In 1859, oil was discovered in Pennsylvania and the visionary Rockefeller took an early interest in these developments, travelling to Pennsylvania to see for himself what this new industry might have to offer. Although the industry was highly unstable in these early days, Rockefeller saw the great potential of oil. In 1863, in partnership with a British engineer named Samuel Andrews, Rockefeller invested $4,000 in the construction of a refinery in Cleveland, Ohio, and took the first steps to becoming one of the richest men in the world. Within two years, Rockefeller bought out his partner (Clark) and the firm became known as Rockefeller & Andrews. By 1870 the business had expanded rapidly and in June of that year all their interests were incorporated as the Standard Oil Company (Ohio). The business continued to grow rapidly and on 27 April 1888 acquired their first foreign affiliate which was named the Anglo-American Oil Company, destined to become one of the largest companies in Great Britain involved in the bulk transportation of oil products. The Company opened offices at 16 Great St. Helens, London, later moving to Dock House, Billiter Street, and later 22 Billiter Street.
The first ships of the Anglo-American Oil Company were both Clyde-built. The first was the 1889-built BAYONNE, from the yard of A. & J. Inglis Ltd., and the second was the 1889-built MANHATTAN, from the yard of D. J. Dunlop & Coy., each with a carrying capacity of 4,000 tons, equivalent to about 28,000 barrels of oil per vessel, arranged in nine pairs of tanks that could be pumped out in ten hours using the two ship’s own cargo pumps. These were followed over the next few years by the steamers WEEHAUKEN (1891- Armstrong Mitchell & Coy), DELAWARE (1893 – D. J. Dunlop), POTOMAC (1893 – A. & J. Inglis Ltd) LACKAWANNA (1894 – D. J. Dunlop & Coy) CHESAPEAKE (1895 – D. J. Dunlop & Coy)
To accommodate the growing fleet, Anglo-American Oil constructed the large storage wharf at Purfleet on the Thames from where smaller vessels transhipped the commodity to various ports around the British Isles and Dublin, Ireland. By the turn of the century, the ships were increasing in size, up to 8,400 DWT. In 1903 the Company took delivery of its largest ship until then, the 9,196 GRT NARRAGANSETT, at that time the largest oil tanker in the world and the largest vessel to be built in the lower reaches of the Clyde, from the Yard of Scott & Coy of Greenock. And you can also give your business a new address if you’d like using a service like this Virtual office in Bristol so that way you get a top Bristol address and added privacy for your business.
OIL CARRIERS OF THE ANGLO-AMERICAN OIL COMPANY OF LONDON : 1889-1914
VESSEL NAMES |
GRT |
BUILDER IDENTITY |
L x B |
PROPULSION TYPE |
ULTIMATE FATE |
Bayonne | 3,294 | A & J Inglis Ltd |
330 x 42 |
T/E 3-Cyl Stm Recip |
B/U in 1924 |
Manhattan | 3,284 | D J Dunlop & Coy |
330 x 42 |
T/E 3-Cyl Stm Recip |
Posted missing in 1929 |
Weehauken | 2,784 | Armstrong, Mitchell & Coy |
310 x 40 |
T/E 3-Cyl Stm Recip |
B/U in 1937 |
Delaware | 3,855 | D J Dunlop & Coy |
345 x 44 |
T/E 3-Cyl Stm Recip |
B/U in 1929 |
Potomac | 3,868 | A & J Inglis Ltd |
345 x 44 |
T/E 3-Cyl Stm Recip |
Wrecked in 1929 |
Lackawanna | 3,855 | D J Dunlop & Coy |
345 x 44 |
T/E 3-Cyl Stm Recip |
Submarine Loss in 1941 |
Chesapeake | 4,521 | D J Dunlop & Coy |
370 x 47 |
T/E 3-Cyl Stm Recip |
Lost by fire in 1911 |
Tuscarora | 6,117 | Sir James Laing |
420 x 53 |
T/E 3-Cyl Stm Recip |
Submarine Loss in 1917 |
Genesee | 2,767 | Armstrong, Mitchell & Coy |
310 x 40 |
T/E 3-Cyl Stm Recip |
B/U in 1924 |
Suwanee | 2,736 | Armstrong, Mitchell & Coy |
310 x 40 |
T/E 3-Cyl Stm Recip |
B/U in 1925 |
Hudson | 3,679 | Sunderland Shipbuilding Coy |
356 x 45 |
T/E 3-Cyl Stm Recip |
Submarine Loss in 1944 |
Seneca | 4,848 | Russell & Coy |
390 x 52 |
T/E 3-Cyl Stm Recip |
B/U in 1934 |
Appalachee | 3.767 | Tyne Iron Shipbuilding Coy |
340 x 44 |
T/E 3-Cyl Stm Recip |
Scuttled in 1944 |
Tonawanda | 3.416 | Armstrong, Mitchell & Coy |
330 x 43 |
T/E 3-Cyl Stm Recip |
B/U in 1923 |
Ottawa | 2,742 | Armstrong, Mitchell & Coy |
309 x 40 |
T/E 3-Cyl Stm Recip |
Posted missing in 1921 |
Housatonic | 3.893 | Armstrong, Mitchell & Coy |
347 x 46 |
T/E 3-Cyl Stm Recip |
Wrecked in 1908 |
Tioga | 2,292 | Burmeister & Wain |
281 x 37 |
T/E 3-Cyl Stm Recip |
Stranding loss in 1913 |
Kennebec | 5,077 | Russell & Coy |
405 x 52 |
T/E 3-Cyl Stm Recip |
Wrecked in 1916 |
Narragansett | 9,196 | Scott & Coy |
531 x 63 |
T/E 3-Cyl Stm Recip |
Submarine Loss in 1917 |
Schuylkill | 5,176 | Russell & Coy |
412 x 52 |
T/E 3-Cyl Stm Recip |
Lost due to mine in 1944 |
Dakotah | 4,006 | Armstrong, Whitworth & Coy |
350 x 47 |
T/E 3-Cyl Stm Recip |
Lost by fire in 1915 |
Seminole | 5,864 | Furness Withy & Coy |
414 x 52 |
T/E 3-Cyl Stm Recip |
B/U in 1932 |
Winnebago | 4,534 | Armstrong, Whitworth & Coy |
359 x 50 |
T/E 3-Cyl Stm Recip |
Scuttled in 1944 |
Ashtabula | 7,025 | Palmers S.B. & Iron Coy |
442 x 54 |
T/E 3-Cyl Stm Recip |
B/U in 1947 |
Cuyahoga | 4,507 | Armstrong, Whitworth & Coy |
369 x 49 |
T/E 3-Cyl Stm Recip |
B/U in 1933 |
Iroquois | 9,202 | Harland & Wolff |
467 x 60 |
Quad/Exp Stm Recip |
B/U in 1946 |
Navahoe | 7,718 | Harland & Wolff |
450 x 58 |
A 4-Masted Barge |
Scuttled in 1936 |
Tamarac | 5,169 | Napier & Miller Ltd |
395 x 52 |
T/E 3-Cyl Stm Recip |
B/U in 1949 |
Saranac | 5,316 | William Gray & Coy |
386 x 52 |
T/E 3-Cyl Stm Recip |
B/U in 1932 |
Cheyenne | 4,987 | Swan Hunter Wigham Richd |
389 x 51 |
T/E 3-Cyl Stm Recip |
Stranded & B/U in 1924 |
Cadillac | 5,251 | Napier & Miller Ltd |
385 x 51 |
T/E 3-Cyl Stm Recip |
Submarine Loss in 1918 |
Impoco | 1,683 | Greenock & Grangemouth |
242 x 40 |
T/E 3-Cyl Stm Recip |
Submarine Loss in 1918 |
Lackawanna | 4,125 | J.C. Tecklenborg AG |
353 x 45 |
T/E 3-Cyl Stm Recip |
B/U in 1931 |
Comanchee | 5,601 | Armstrong Whitworth & Coy |
395 x 52 |
Quad/Exp Stm Recip |
B/U in 1949 |
Tacoma | 6,838 | Flensburgher Schiffsbau Ges. |
440 x 58 |
Quad/Exp Stm Recip |
B/U in 1933 |
Tuscarora | 6,828 | Flensburgher Schiffsbau Ges |
440 x 58 |
Quad/Exp Stm Recip |
Wrecked in 1932 |
Wapello | 5,576 | Armstrong Whitworth & Coy |
396 x 52 |
Quad/Exp Stm Recip |
Submarine Loss in 1917 |
Uncas | 4,722 | Greenock & Grangemouth |
375 x 51 |
T/E 3-Cyl Stm Recip |
B/U in 1962 |
Winamac | 5,767 | Craig, Taylor & Coy Ltd |
412 x 53 |
Quad/Exp Stm Recip |
B/U in 1934 |
Shabonee | 5,167 | Sir James Laing & Sons Ltd |
380 x 51 |
T/E 3-Cyl Stm Recip |
B/U in 1932 |
Tascalusa | 6,499 | Sir R. Dixon & Co Ltd |
420 x 54 |
Quad/Exp Stm Recip |
Bombed & B/U in 1940 |
Tamaha | 6,496 | Sir R. Dixon & Co Ltd |
420 x 54 |
Quad/Exp Stm Recip |
B/U in 1953 |
Tachee | 6,508 | Sir R. Dixon & Co Ltd |
420 x 54 |
Quad/Exp Stm Recip |
B/U in 1950 |
Tatarrax | 6,216 | Scotts S.B. & Eng. Coy Ltd |
420 x 55 |
Quad/Exp Stm Recip |
Submarine Loss in 1918 |
Purfleet oil terminal expanded over the years to become the largest unloading and storage depot in Great Britain, and remained in operation day and night throughout the First World War, by the end of which there were fifty-eight large storage tanks at the Site. Previously the facility had been in the ownership of the Purfleet Tank Storage Company but it was absorbed into the Anglo-American Oil Company who also went on to acquire the adjacent oil plant that had been owned by the Anglo-Russian Oil Company.
The Company’s fleet of oil carriers flew the Anglo-American houseflag portraying a black eagle astride a white ball, with navy blue and deep red diagonal sections as its background colours. During the Great War of 1914-1918, many of the Company’s vessels were taken over by the Government for war duties and during this war the Purfleet facility received the unwelcome attention of German Gotha bombers and Zeppelins, but no serious damage was sustained. The facility was enlarged again in 1938, to provide further storage capacity in preparation for the war that was foreseen as inevitable.
During the Second World War, the Purfleet terminal did not escape as lightly from enemy attention as was the case in the previous War. Twenty direct hits were recorded in 1940 and further hits during 1941 caused much devastation and destruction. Ships alongside were hit and caught fire, ashore there were many fires and resulting explosions, some of these fires burning for over a week. Inevitably some lives were lost during this difficult time.
COASTERS/RIVER CRAFT OF ANGLO-AMERICAN OIL COMPANY OF LONDON : 1856-1912
VESSEL NAMES |
G.R.T. |
BUILDER IDENTITY |
L X B |
PROPULSION TYPE |
ULTIMATE FATE |
Osceola |
393 |
D. J. Dunlop & Coy |
141 x 26 |
T/E 3-Cyl Stm Recip |
B/U in 1934 |
Imperial |
796 |
Tyne Iron & S.B. Co Ltd |
200 x 32 |
T/E 3-Cyl Stm Recip |
B/U in 1939 |
Oneida |
698 |
Greenock & Grangemouth |
165 x 32 |
T/E 3-Cyl Stm Recip |
B/U in 1947 |
Tioga |
742 |
Greenock & Grangemouth |
180 x 31 |
T/E 3-Cyl Stm Recip |
Collision loss -1943 |
Queen of the Avon |
162 |
J. Vernon |
101 x 20 |
Snow-rigged S.V. |
Not known |
Morning Star |
65 |
R. M. Shrubsall |
85 x 18 |
Ketch-Barge |
Disposed of in 1921 |
White Rose |
49 |
D. J. Dunlop & Coy |
63 x 15 |
Tug |
B/U in 1954 |
Royal Daylight |
83 |
J. Stewart & Sons |
75 x 17 |
Tug |
B/U in 1955 |
Royal Daylight |
53 |
Gordon Alison & Coy |
72 x 15 |
Tank Barge |
Not Known |
White Rose |
44 |
Gordon Alison & Coy |
69 x 14 |
S.V. |
Not Known |
ACQUISITIONS OF THE ANGLO-AMERICAN OIL COMPANY OF LONDON : 1897-1917
VESSEL NAMES |
GRT |
BUILDER IDENTITY |
L X B |
PROPULSION TYPE |
ULTIMATE FATE |
Alcides | 2,704 | Greenock & Grangemouth | 312 x 43 | 4-Masted Barque |
Submarine Loss – 1917 |
Calcutta | 1,694 | Naval Constns. & Armts. | 240 x 40 | 3-Masted Barque |
B/U in 1923 |
Colonial Empire | 2,436 | John Reid & Coy | 302 x 43 | 4-Masted Barque |
Foundered in 1917 |
Drumeltan | 1,908 | Russell & Coy | 267 x 40 | 4-Masted Barque | Became a barge 1931 |
Falls of Ettrick | 2,264 | Russell & Coy | 278 x 42 | 4-Masted Barque |
Sold at auction – 1903 |
Glendoon | 1,981 | A. Rodger & Coy | 266 x 40 | Full Rigged S.V. |
Submarine Loss – 1917 |
Hainaut | 1,783 | Barrow Shipbuilding Coy | 249 x 40 | Full Rigged S.V. |
Was still afloat in 1950 |
Johanna | 1,756 | J. Smit | 240 x 37 | Full Rigged S.V. |
Foundered in 1909 |
Juteopolis | 2,842 | W.B. Thompson & Coy | 310 x 45 | 4-Masted Barque |
Wrecked in 1929 |
Kentmere | 2,520 | W.H. Potter & Sons | 300 x 42 | Full Rigged S.V. |
Disposed of in 1924 |
King George | 2,242 | Russell & Coy | 278 x 42 | Full Rigged S.V. |
Stranding loss in 1909 |
Lawhill | 2,942 | W.B. Thompson & Coy | 333 x 45 | 4-Masted Barque |
B/U Matola in 1955 |
Lyndhurst | 2,311 | A. McMillan & Son | 295 x 42 | 4-Masted Barque |
Lost by fire in 1911 |
Sindia | 3,068 | Harland & Wolff Ltd | 329 x 45 | 4-Masted Barque |
Stranding loss in 1901 |
BRITISH-BUILT SHIPS OF THE ANGLO-AMERICAN OIL COMPANY OF LONDON : 1901-1903
VESSEL NAMES |
G.R.T. |
BUILDER IDENTITY |
L X B |
PROPULSION TYPE |
ULTIMATE FATE |
Nonpareil | 3,414 | A. Hamilton & Coy | 323 x 46 | 4-Masted Barque |
Capsized in 1900 |
Comet | 3,414 | A. Hamilton & Coy | 323 x 46 | 4-Masted Barque |
Became barge in 1928 |
Brilliant | 3,765 | Russell & Coy | 352 x 49 | 4-Masted Barque |
Submarine loss in 1916 |
Daylight | 3,756 | Russell & Coy | 353 x 49 | 4-Masted Barque |
B/U in 1953 |
Eclipse | 3,090 | A. Rodger & Coy. | 327 x 46 | 4-Masted Barque |
Hulked China in 1928 |
Arrow | 3,090 | A. Rodger & Coy. | 327 x 46 | 4-Masted Barque |
B/U London in 1938 |
Radiant | 1,974 | A. Rodger & Coy. | 265 x 40 | 4-Masted Barque |
B/U Italy in 1923 |
Alacrita | 1,974 | A. Rodger & Coy. | 265 x 40 | 4-Masted Barque |
Foundered in 1907 |
AMERICAN-BUILT SHIPS OF THE ANGLO-AMERICAN OIL COMPANY OF LONDON : 1900-1902
VESSEL NAMES |
G.R.T. |
BUILDER IDENTITY |
L X B |
PROPULSION TYPE |
ULTIMATE FATE |
Acme | 3,288 | A. Sewall & Coy | Unknown | 4-Masted Barque |
Stranded in 1919 |
Astral | 3,292 | A. Sewall & Coy | Unknown | 4-Masted Barque |
B/U Yawata in 1936 |
Atlas | 3,381 | A. Sewall & Coy | Unknown | 4-Masted Barque |
B/U Osaka in 1936 |
Thomas W. Lawson | 5,218 | Fore River Ship & Eng | 395 x 50 | 7-Masted Schooner |
Foundered in 1907 |
THE FLEET OF THE ANGLO-AMERICAN OIL COMPANY OF LONDON IN 1910
VESSELS |
YEAR OF BUILD |
S.S. APPALACHEE |
1894 |
S.S. ASHTABULA |
1903 |
S.S. CADILLAC |
1909 |
S.S. CHESAPEAKE |
1895 |
S.S CHEYENNE |
1908 |
S.S. CUYABOGA |
1902 |
S.S. DAKOTAH |
1902 |
S.S. DELAWARE |
1893 |
S.S. GENESEE |
1899 |
S.S. HUDSON |
1900 |
S.S. IMPOCO |
1910 |
S.S. IROQUOIS |
1907 |
S.S. KENNEBEC |
1902 |
S.S. LACKAWANNA |
1894 |
S.S. NARRAGANSETT |
1903 |
S.S. OTTAWA |
1888 |
S.S. POTOMAC |
1893 |
S.S. SARANAC |
1908 |
S.S. SCHUYLKILL |
1903 |
S.S. SEMINOLE |
1903 |
S.S. SENECA |
1901 |
S.S. SUWANEE |
1888 |
S.S. TAMARAC |
1908 |
S.S. TIOGA |
1890 |
S.S. TONAWANDA |
1893 |
S.S. TUSCARORA |
1898 |
S.S. WEEHAUKEN |
1891 |
S.S. WINNEBAGO |
1901 |
S.V. ALCIDES |
1892 |
S.V. ARROW |
1902 |
S.V.BRILLIANT |
1901 |
S.V. CALCUTTA |
1892 |
S.V. COMET |
1901 |
S.V. DAYLIGHT |
1902 |
S.V. DRUMELTAN |
1883 |
S.V. ECLIPSE |
1902 |
S.V. GLANDOON |
1894 |
S.V. JUTEOPOLIS |
1891 |
S.V. LAWHILL |
1892 |
S.V. LYNDHURST |
1886 |
S.V. RADIANT |
1903 |
S.V. NAVAHOE |
1908 |
OIL TANKERS ACQUIRED BY ANGLO-AMERICAN OIL DURING THE 1914-1918 WAR
VESSEL NAME |
YEAR |
GRT |
BUILDER IDENTITY |
ULTIMATE FATE |
Cuyaboga |
1914 |
4,586 |
Greenock & Grangemouth | Sunk by enemy torpedo on 05-07-1917 |
Earl of Elgin |
1909 |
4,448 |
Russell & Coy | Sunk by enemy torpedo on 07-12-1917 |
Mimosa |
1905 |
3,466 |
Short Brothers | Sunk by enemy torpedo on 04-09-1915 |
Winnebago |
1915 |
4,666 |
Sir James Laing & Sons Ltd | Broken up at Spezia in 1949 |
Spiraea |
1900 |
3,620 |
William Pickersgill & Sons | Broken up at Morecambe in1916 |
Tamarac |
1916 |
5,042 |
A. McMillan & Sons | Broken up in 1935 by UK shipbreakers |
Silvertown |
1873 |
5,046 |
C. Mitchell & Coy | Broken up in 1935 by Italian shipbreakers |
Strathfillan |
1906 |
4,353 |
William Hamilton & Coy | Broken up in 1947 by Indian shipbreakers |
Tuscarora |
1917 |
7,106 |
Sir James Laing & Sons Ltd | Broken up in 1935 at Queenstown |
Cadillac |
1917 |
12,074 |
Palmers S. B. & Iron Coy | Sunk by enemy torpedo on 01-03-1941 |
Saranac |
1918 |
12,070 |
Palmers S. B. & Iron Coy | Sunk by enemy gunfire on 25-06-1940 |
Following the First World War, a new British company was formed by the New York based Atlantic, Gulf and West Indies S.S. Lines, a company involved in shipping since 1844, but also owning properties and oilfields in Mexico. The new British company was called A.G.W.I. Petroleum Corporation Limited and was incorporated in 1920. On its formation, the Company acquired 406 acres in Hampshire that was to become the new Fawley refinery and oil storage depot. The first of the Company’s vessels, the newly built S.S. Agwilake, landed the first oil at Fawley on 18 June 1921, discharging 1,398 tons of Mexican crude oil, 5,843 tons of fuel oil and 2,677 tons of gas oil. In 1921 the facility had storage capacity of 99,000 tons. In 1923, A.G.W.I. Petroleum Corporation was taken over by the British Mexican Petroleum Company. In 1925 the Anglo-American Oil Company acquired the British Mexican Petroleum Company and its fleet of eight oil tankers of 10,000 DWT.
OCEAN TANKERS OF THE ANGLO-AMERICAN OIL COMPANY IN THE 1920’s
VESSEL NAME |
BUILT |
ACQUIRED |
GRT |
PROPULSION |
ULTIMATE FATE |
Strathearn |
1906 |
1920 |
4,419 |
T/E Steam Recip. | Bombed and sunk in September 1941 |
Housatonic |
1919 |
1920 |
5,519 |
T/E Steam Recip | Bombed and sunk in February 1941 |
Kennebec |
1919 |
1920 |
5,548 |
T/E Steam Recip | Submarine loss in September 1939 |
Narragansett |
1920 |
1920 |
6,889 |
Twin Oil Engines | Sold off for breaking up in 1933 |
Seminole |
1921 |
1921 |
6,923 |
Twin Oil Engines | Sold off for breaking up in 1936 |
Chesapeake |
1928 |
1928 |
8,955 |
Oil Engine | Broken up at Faslane in 1953 |
Schuylkill |
1928 |
1928 |
8,964 |
Oil Engine | Sold off for breaking up in 1947 |
OCEAN TANKERS OF THE ANGLO-AMERICAN OIL COMPANY IN THE 1930’s
VESSEL NAME |
BUILT |
BUILDERS |
GRT |
PROPULSION |
ULTIMATE FATE |
Cheyenne |
1930 |
Palmers Coy Ltd |
8,825 |
Oil Engine | Submarine loss in September1939 |
Appalachee |
1930 |
Palmers Coy Ltd |
8,826 |
Oil Engine | Submarine loss in December 1940 |
Comanchee |
1936 |
John Brown & Coy |
6,837 |
Oil Engine | B/U Grimstad 1962 as Esso Plymouth |
DISTRIBUTING SHIPS OF ANGLO-AMERICAN OIL COMPANY FROM 1915 TO 1939
VESSEL |
YEAR |
BUILDERS |
GRT |
PROPULSION |
ULTIMATE FATE |
Juniata |
1918 |
Short Brothers Ltd | 1,137 | Twin Oil Engines | Sunk as blockship in 1940 |
Osage |
1914 |
Devonport Dockyard | 1,010 | Oil Engine | Bombed & Sunk in Dec 1940 |
Luffworth |
1911 |
J.T. Eltringham & Coy | 279 | Gas Engine | Scuttled at Brest in June 1940 |
Luffwell |
1912 |
Van Damme Freres | 274 | Compound 2-Cyl | Broken up in 1935 |
Southwick |
1917 |
Swan Hunter Wigham | 443 | T/Exp 3-Cyl Stm. | Foundered in December 1948 |
Nuorla |
1918 |
Gebr. van der Windt | 364 | T/Exp 3-Cyl Stm. | Broken up at Llanelly in 1953 |
Eastwick |
1920 |
Swan Hunter Wigham | 518 | T/Exp 3-Cyl Stm. | Broken up at Essex in 1948 |
Allegheny |
1921 |
J. Crichton & Coy Ltd | 822 | T/Exp 3-Cyl Stm. | Broken up in Belgium in 1962 |
Bargate |
1916 |
Chester | 66 | Oil Engine | Broken up in 1972 |
Perfection |
1916 |
P. McGregor | 73 | Oil Engine | Sold to Admiralty in 1956 |
Tetney |
1909 |
Cook Welton Gemmel | 47 | Oil Engine | Broken up Gateshead in 1956 |
Silver Queen |
1912 |
H. & C. Grayson Ltd | 165 | Oil Engine | Converted to barge in 1927 |
Crown Diamond |
1912 |
C. H. Walker & Coy | 103 | T/Exp 3-Cyl Stm. | Broken up at Essex in 1950 |
Tensas |
1911 |
Union Normande | 643 | None – Barge | Not Known |
Atoka |
1914 |
Rouen in France | 581 | None – Barge | Broken up in 1950 |
Angloco |
1921 |
Rennie,Ritchie Newprt. | 73 | Oil Engine | Broken up Gateshead in 1956 |
Clydegate |
1923 |
Greenock/Grangemth. | 66 | Oil Engine | Alden Shipping Coy. in 1956 |
Stourgate |
1924 |
J. Pollock & Sons | 115 | Oil Engine | W.G.S. Crouch Ltd. in 1963 |
Southgate |
1925 |
Amble S. B. Coy Ltd | 143 | Oil Engine | Foundered in May 1960 |
Fossgate |
1925 |
Henry Scarr Ltd | 49 | Oil Engine | Broken up Gateshead in 1956 |
Parkgate |
1925 |
W. J. Yarwood & Son | 52 | Paraffin Motor | Broken up in 1985 |
Lowgate |
1925 |
Henry Scarr Ltd | 75 | Oil Engine | Not Known |
Caldergate |
1926 |
Amble S. B. Coy Ltd | 138 | Oil Engine | Hulked in 1959 |
Castlegate |
1928 |
W. J. Yarwood & Son | 87 | Paraffin Motor | Broken up in 1956 |
Queensgate |
1928 |
W. J. Yarwood & Son | 87 | Paraffin Motor | Sold to H.G. Pounds in 1958 |
Westgate |
1928 |
Goole S. B. & Repair | 48 | Oil Engine | Sold to Bowker King in 1966 |
NON-PROPELLED DISTRIBUTING BARGES FOR USE ON THE RIVER THAMES IN SAME PERIOD
VESSEL |
YEAR |
BUILDERS |
GRT |
Length x Breadth |
ULTIMATE FATE |
Northampton |
1920 |
R. Colby of Lowestoft |
46 |
78 ft. x 14 ft. |
Not Known |
Radnor |
1920 |
R. Colby of Lowestoft |
46 |
78 ft. x 14 ft |
Not Known |
Montgomery |
1921 |
R. Colby of Lowestoft |
46 |
78 ft. x 14 ft |
Not Known |
Anglesea |
1921 |
R. Colby of Lowestoft |
46 |
78 ft. x 14 ft |
Not Known |
Glamorgan |
1921 |
R. Colby of Lowestoft |
46 |
78 ft. x 14 ft |
Not Known |
Merioneth |
1921 |
R. Colby of Lowestoft |
46 |
78 ft. x 14 ft |
Not Known |
Berks |
1927 |
Goole S. B. & Repair Coy |
57 |
75 ft. x 14 ft. |
Not Known |
Shropshire |
1926 |
Goole S. B. & Repair Coy |
96 |
80 ft. x 22 ft |
Not Known |
Kent |
1934 |
Goole S. B. & Repair Coy |
96 |
80 ft. x 22 ft |
Not Known |
Cumberland |
1921 |
F. Braby of Deptford, London |
102 |
83 ft. x 21 ft |
Not Known |
Northumberland |
1921 |
F. Braby of Deptford, London |
102 |
83 ft. x 21 ft |
Not Known |
Westmorland |
1922 |
F. Braby of Deptford, London |
102 |
83 ft. x 21 ft |
Not Known |
Sutherland |
1922 |
F. Braby of Deptford, London |
102 |
83 ft. x 21 ft |
Not Known |
Leicester |
1922 |
F. Braby of Deptford, London |
69 |
69 ft. x 20 ft |
Not Known |
Worcester |
1922 |
F. Braby of Deptford, London |
69 |
69 ft. x 20 ft |
Not Known |
Hereford |
1922 |
F. Braby of Deptford, London |
69 |
69 ft. x 20 ft |
Not Known |
Monmouth |
1923 |
F. Braby of Deptford, London |
69 |
69 ft. x 20 ft |
Not Known |
The Anglo-American Oil Company lost nine of its vessels through enemy action during the 1939-1945 War, leaving ten of its pre-war vessels in the fleet in 1946. From 1947, with the formation of the Esso Transportation Company Limited, formed by renaming the Lago Shipping Company Limited, a new funnel emblem was introduced in place of the red black-topped Anglo-American funnel. It took the form of the ESSO oval on a white band on a black funnel. The ‘oval’, edged in blue, had the word ‘Esso’ in red. Gradually the vessels from this time were renamed with the Esso prefix.
VESSEL NAME |
YEAR |
GRT |
BUILDER NAME |
SUBSEQUENT NAMES |
ULTIMATE FATE |
Robert E. Hand |
1933 |
12,197 |
Fr. Krupp AG | Esso Newcastle : Oligisto | Broken up at Vado in 1966 |
F. J. Wolfe |
1932 |
11,244 |
Bremer Vulkan | Locarno : Morchella | Broken up in 1960 |
D. L. Harper |
1933 |
11,210 |
Deutsche Werft | Hanseat : Aristid | Broken up at Spezia in 1960 |
Geo. W. McKnight |
1933 |
12,502 |
Fr. Krupp AG | Esso Edinburgh | Broken up at Blyth in 1954 |
Beaconstreet |
1927 |
7,467 |
Palmers S. B. & Iron | Esso Dublin | Broken up at Blyth in 1953 |
Seminole |
1936 |
10,389 |
Blohm und Voss | Esso Hull | Broken up at Trieste in 1958 |
W. C. Teagle |
1917 |
9,552 |
Bethlehem S.B. C’pn. | None | Submarine loss in Oct 1941 |
Geo. H. Jones |
1919 |
6,914 |
Sun S. B. Company | None | Submarine loss in June 1942 |
T. J. Williams |
1921 |
8,212 |
Oscar Daniels Coy | None | Submarine loss in Sept 1941 |
Beaconoil |
1919 |
6,983 |
Bethlehem S.B. C’pn. | None | Broken up at Baltimore – 1950 |
Elisha Walker |
1920 |
7,007 |
Sun S. B. Company | None | Broken up at Baltimore – 1949 |
SHIPS MANAGED BY ANGLO-AMERICAN OIL COMPANY FOR M.O.W.T. : 1939 – 1946
VESSEL NAME |
YEAR |
GRT |
BUILDER |
PROPULSION |
ULTIMATE FATE |
Leon Martin |
1936 |
1,951 |
Ch & At de St. Nazaire |
Oil Engine |
Mined/Sunk near Falmouth – 1940 |
Petrophalt |
1930 |
2,627 |
Harland & Wolff |
T/E Steam Recip |
B/U at Spain in 1953 |
Christian Holm |
1927 |
9,119 |
Burmeister & Wain |
Oil Engines (2) |
B/U at Istanbul in 1960 |
Empire Mica |
1941 |
8,032 |
Furness S. B. Coy. |
T/E Steam Recip |
Sunk Atlantic by U-67 – June 1942 |
Empire Oil |
1941 |
8,029 |
Furness S. B. Coy. |
T/E Steam Recip |
Sunk Atlantic by U-659 – Sept 1942 |
Empire Sapphire |
1941 |
8,031 |
Furness S. B. Coy |
T/E Steam Recip |
Renamed Esso Saranac in 1946 |
Scandia |
1918 |
8,571 |
Newport News S.B. |
T/E Steam Recip |
B/U at Savona in 1959 |
Bulkoil |
1942 |
8,071 |
Welding Shipyards Inc |
2 x Steam Turbs |
B/U at Burght, Belgium in 1961 |
Empire Coleridge |
1942 |
9,813 |
Sir James Laing & Son |
T/E Steam Recip |
Esso Cheyenne in 1945 |
Kentucky |
1942 |
9,308 |
Sun S. B. & D. D. Coy. |
2 x Steam Turbs |
Bombed/Sunk Mediterranean – 1940 |
Empire Bronze |
1940 |
8,142 |
Hawthorn, Leslie & Co |
Oil Engine |
Renamed Esso Cadillac in 1946 |
Empire Dickens |
1942 |
9,819 |
Furness S. B. Coy |
T/E Steam Recip |
Renamed Esso Appalachee in 1946 |
Empire Pike |
1905 |
1,854 |
Govmt. Yard, Canada |
2 x T/E Stm. Rec. |
B/U at Dunston in 1949 |
Empire Tagalam |
1936 |
10,401 |
F. Schichau, Danzig |
Oil Engine |
B/U at Split in 1960 |
Empire Maldon |
1946 |
3,734 |
Sir James Laing & Son |
Oil Engine |
B/U in 1977 |
The following twelve small Type T1-M-A1 oil tankers, all built by the Barnes-Duluth Shipbuilding Company of Minnesota, USA between May 1943 and October 1943, were operated for a period during WWII by the Anglo-Amercian Oil Company under the Red Ensign as part of the Lease/Lend Agreement. All these vessels were built to the same design, measuring 210 feet in length x 37 feet in breadth, 1,600 DWT, with oil engines giving a speed of 10 knots.
VESSEL NAMES |
OTHER NAMES |
SUBSEQUENT MANAGERS |
ULTIMATE FATE |
Tarentum | Yung Huai | USA then Chinese Owners | Scuttled in the Whangpoo River – May 1949 |
Mannington | Yung Siang | USA then Chinese Owners | Not Known |
Titusville | Yung Han | USA then Chinese Owners | Scuttled in the Whangpoo River – May 1949 |
Glen Pool | Yung Fei | USA then Chinese Owners | B/U at Formosa in November 1959 |
Jennings | Yung Loo | USA then Chinese Owners | Scuttled in the Whangpoo River – May 1949 |
Salt Creek | Punta Rasa | USA then Argentinian Navy | Deleted from the Argentinian Navy List in 1971 |
Tonkawa | Yung Luan | USA then Chinese Owners | B/U at Formosa in 1965 |
Benton Field | Yung Lu | USA then Chinese Owners | B/U at Formosa in 1959 |
Cromwell | Yung Chang | USA then Chinese Owners | B/U at Formosa in 1963 |
Rio Bravo | None | None | Torpedoed/Sunk by E-Boat – November 1944 |
Walnut Bend | Yung Wei | USA then Chinese Owners | Not Known |
Loma Novia | Yung Fu | USA then Chinese Owners | B/U at Formosa in 1962 |
In addition to the above small oil tanker wartime fleet, Anglo-American Oil Company also operated a 1920-built 3-cylinder triple-expansion steam engined vessel built by the Bethlehem Shipbuilding Corporation of Alameda, California, for Standard Transportation Company Incorporated of New York (Socony Vacuum Oil Company).
NAME OF VESSEL |
OTHER NAMES |
SUBSEQUENT MANAGERS |
ULTIMATE FATE |
Algonquin |
None |
Returned to Owners in 1946 | B/U in Japan in 1953 |
POST-WAR FLEET ACQUISITION / REBUILDING PROGRAMME
VESSEL NAME |
YEAR |
GRT |
BUILDER NAME |
PREVIOUS NAME |
ULTIMATE FATE |
Esso Cadillac |
1940 |
8,149 |
Hawthorn Leslie & Coy | Empire Bronze | B/U Osaka in 1959 |
Esso Saranac |
1941 |
8,031 |
Furness S. B. Coy Ltd | Empire Sapphire | B/U Antwerp in 1959 |
Esso Cheyenne |
1942 |
9,798 |
Sir James Laing & Sons | Empire Coleridge | B/U Belgium in 1961 |
Esso Appalachee |
1942 |
9,819 |
Furness S. B. Coy Ltd | Empire Dickens | B/U Faslane in 1960 |
Esso Dakotah |
1942 |
797 |
Grangemouth Dockyard | Empire Gawain | B/U Belgium in 1962 |
Esso Genesee |
1943 |
797 |
Grangemouth Dockyard | Empire Harbour | B/U Belgium in 1961 |
Esso Juniata |
1941 |
797 |
Grangemouth Dockyard | Empire Lass | B/U Belgium in 1969 |
Esso Tioga |
1943 |
797 |
Grangemouth Dockyard | Empire Wrestler | B/U Forth in 1963 |
Esso Suwanee |
1941 |
300 |
Rowhedge Ironworks Ltd | Empire Lad | Sold off in 1963 |
Esso Ottawa |
1943 |
300 |
I. Pimblott & Sons Ltd | Empire Coast | B/U Belgium in 1967 |
Esso Manchester |
1944 |
10,448 |
Sun S. B. & D. D. Coy | Santiago | B/U/ Faslane in 1963 |
Esso Purfleet |
1944 |
10,448 |
Sun S. B. & D. D. Coy | Ridgefield | B/U Belgium in 1963 |
Esso Fawley |
1944 |
10,448 |
Sun S. B. & D. D. Coy | Turkey Island | B/U Aioi in 1963 |
Esso Cardiff |
1945 |
10,448 |
Kaiser Company | Halls of Montezuma | B/U Castellon in 1965 |
Esso Bristol |
1944 |
10,448 |
Sun S. B. & D. D. Coy | Sandy Creek | B/U Vado in 1963 |
Esso Birmingham |
1944 |
10,448 |
Sun S. B. & D. D. Coy | Mauvilla | B/U Split in 1963 |
Esso Glasgow |
1944 |
10,448 |
Sun S. B. & D. D. Coy | Wauhatchie | B/U Bilbao in 1971 |
Esso London |
1944 |
10,448 |
Sun S. B. & D. D. Coy | Champion’s Hill | B/U Split in 1958 |
Cleveland |
1944 |
10,448 |
Kaiser Company | Forbes Road | Sold off in 1953 |
Esso Avonmouth |
1945 |
10,729 |
Sun S. B. & D. D. Coy | Fort Massiac | B/U Bilbao in 1975 |
Esso Liverpool |
1921 |
12,590 |
Newport News S.B. Coy | John D. Archbold | B/U Genoa in 1962 |
Esso Belfast |
1930 |
11,752 |
Federal S.B. & D.D. Coy | G. Harrison Smith | B/U La Seyne in 1958 |
Esso Southampton |
1930 |
11,787 |
Federal S.B. & D.D. Coy | W. S. Farish | B/U Split in 1958 |
Esso Bedford |
1930 |
10,844 |
Furness S. B. Coy Ltd | F. H. Bedford Jr. | B/U Bremerhaven 1954 |
In 1951 the Anglo-American Oil Company was primarily a marketing organisation dealing with distribution and sales, whereas responsibility for the provision of tonnage and management of the tanker fleet had been covered by the Esso Transportation Company Limited from 1947. In 1951, with the new refinery at Fawley about to begin production, the Anglo-American Oil Company became a major producer of petroleum products and its whole scope of activities changed. The transportation aspect also greatly increased at this time with increased distribution and requirements to feed the new refinery. Consequently it was decided to re-assume control of the tanker fleet and set up a Marine Department to take responsibility for the management and operation of the fleet, maintenance and repairs of the ships, new construction, and the chartering of vessels. With these changes came a change of Company name, from the Anglo-American Oil Company to the Esso Petroleum Company Limited. In a similar manner, the parent Company in the USA, the Standard Oil Company (New Jersey), had been transferred to a new subsidiary Company in 1950, the Esso Shipping Company.
COASTAL, CANAL AND RIVER VESSELS IN THE 1950’s – 1960’s
VESSEL NAME |
YEAR |
GRT |
BUILDER |
PROPULSION |
ULTIMATE FATE |
Esso Abingdon |
1952 |
446 |
Henry Scarr Ltd | Oil Engine | B/U Kent in 1975 |
Esso Poole |
1955 |
754 |
Henry Scarr Ltd | Oil Engine | B/U Haulbowline in 1984 |
Esso Preston |
1956 |
1,965 |
Hall, Russell & Coy | T/E 3-Cyl Steam Recip | B/U Aviles in 1975 |
Esso Brixham |
1957 |
758 |
Philip & Son Ltd | Oil Engine | B/U Middlesbrough in 1980 |
Esso Tilbury |
1957 |
15 |
Thames Launch | Oil Engine | Not Known (Tugboat) |
Esso Woolston |
1958 |
856 |
Henry Scarr Ltd | Oil Engine | B/U Santander in 1985 |
Esso Lyndhurst |
1958 |
856 |
Henry Scarr Ltd | Oil Engine | Sold in 1981 to Saudi Arabia |
Esso Hythe |
1959 |
856 |
Henry Scarr Ltd | Oil Engine | Sold in 1981 to Lebanon |
Esso Leeds |
1956 |
170 |
R. Dunston Ltd | Oil Engine | Sold in 1964 to Whitaker Ltd |
Esso Nottingham |
1956 |
170 |
R. Dunston Ltd | Oil Engine | Sold in 1964 to Whitaker Ltd |
Esso Saltend |
1956 |
170 |
R. Dunston Ltd | Oil Engine | Sold in 1964 to Whitaker Ltd |
Esso Hertford |
1951 |
131 |
Henry Scarr Ltd | Swim-Headed Barge | Not Known |
Esso Oxford |
1951 |
131 |
Henry Scarr Ltd | Swim-Headed Barge | (Esso Hampshire from 1953) |
Esso Middlesex |
1951 |
131 |
Henry Scarr Ltd | Swim-Headed Barge | Not Known |
Esso Cambridge |
1951 |
131 |
Henry Scarr Ltd | Swim-Headed Barge | (Esso Dorset from 1953) |
Esso Essex |
1951 |
131 |
Henry Scarr Ltd | Swim-Headed Barge | Not Known |
Esso Sussex |
1951 |
131 |
Henry Scarr Ltd | Swim-Headed Barge | Not Known |
Esso Kent |
1951 |
131 |
Henry Scarr Ltd | Swim-Headed Barge | Not Known |
Esso Surrey |
1951 |
131 |
Henry Scarr Ltd | Swim-Headed Barge | Not Known |
Esso Buckingham |
1951 |
131 |
Henry Scarr Ltd | Swim-Headed Barge | Not Known |
Esso Norfolk |
1951 |
131 |
Henry Scarr Ltd | Swim-Headed Barge | Not Known |
Esso Greenwich |
1953 |
77 |
W. J. Yarwood | Oil Engine (Tugboat) | Not Known |
Esso Reading |
1954 |
77 |
W. J. Yarwood | Oil Engine (Tugboat) | Not Known |
Esso Humber |
1961 |
131 |
Henry Scarr Ltd | Oil Engine | Not Known |
Esso Avon |
1961 |
131 |
Henry Scarr Ltd | Oil Engine | Not Known |
Esso Tees |
1961 |
131 |
Henry Scarr Ltd | Oil Engine | Not Known |
Esso Trent |
1961 |
131 |
Henry Scarr Ltd | Oil Engine | Not Known |
Esso Tyne |
1961 |
131 |
Henry Scarr Ltd | Oil Engine | Not Known |
Esso Severn |
1961 |
131 |
Henry Scarr Ltd | Oil Engine | Not Known |
Esso Forth |
1961 |
131 |
Henry Scarr Ltd | Oil Engine | Not Known |
Esso Thames |
1961 |
131 |
Henry Scarr Ltd | Oil Engine | Not Known |
Esso Mersey |
1961 |
131 |
Henry Scarr Ltd | Oil Engine | Not Known |
Esso Clyde |
1961 |
131 |
Henry Scarr Ltd | Oil Engine | Not Known |
Esso Recovery II |
1960 |
8 |
Mechans Limited | Oil Reclamation Boat | Not Known |
EX-MARCAIBO SHALLOW-DRAUGHT TANKERS FROM THE CREOLE PETROLEUM CORPORATION
During the Second World War, ten special shallow-draught oil tankers were built for the newly-formed Creole Petroleum Corporation of Panama, a subsidiary of the Standard Oil Company of New Jersey. Four of these vessels were transferred from the Panamanian flag to the British flag and Esso Petroleum Company in 1956. These were trunk-decked twin-screw triple expansion engine vessels of 5,500 DWT and on arrival in UK waters from Venezuela they were fitted out for UK coastal service by Brigham & Cowan Limited and Palmers of Hebburn. Their primary purpose was the carriage of oil between Fawley Refinery and the various power stations of the CEGB. The four vessels were:
VESSEL NAME |
YEAR |
GRT |
PREVIOUSLY |
BUILDER PROPULSION |
ULTIMATE FATE |
Esso Lambeth |
1943 |
3,401 |
Caripito |
Barnes-Duluth Tw. Sc. T/E | B/U at Hamburg in 1965 |
Esso Wandsworth |
1943 |
3,401 |
Guarico |
Barnes-Duluth Tw. Sc. T/E | B/U at Essex in 1966 |
Esso Chelsea |
1945 |
3,401 |
Amacuro |
Bethlehem Tw. Sc. T/E | B/U at Bruges in 1969 |
Esso Fulham |
1945 |
3,401 |
Trujillo |
Bethlehem Tw. Sc. T/E | B/U at Bilbao in 1970 |
The Esso Wandsworth was in collision with a large Dutch vessel (Moerdyk) in fog on the night of 23 September 1965, in the vicinity of the Ovens Buoy, Lower Hope Reach, and was beached on nearby mudflats. Subsequently refloated, she discharged her cargo at Purfleet then proceeded to Gravesend to undergo repairs. On 12 October 1965, whilst this work was in progress, there was a massive explosion on board and subsequent drydocking at Tilbury indicated that the vessel could not be economically repaired. In December of that year, she was delivered to Grays of Essex for scrapping.
The histories of the other six Maracaibo tankers are varied – as shown in the Table below :
VESSEL NAMES |
YEAR |
RE-NAMED |
BUILDER |
ULTIMATE FATE |
San Joaquin |
1943 |
Esso Joaquin | Barnes-Duluth | Sank in the Gulf of Campeche in January 1960 |
San Cristobal |
1943 |
Esso San Cristobal | Barnes-Duluth | Broke in two, off Colon, in December 1968 |
Temblador |
1943 |
No name change | Barnes-Duluth | To Canadian owners in 1960 : Barge in 1978 |
Guiria |
1943 |
Esso Guiria | Barnes-Duluth | Arrived Hamburg for scrapping – October 1961 |
Valera |
1943 |
No name change | Barnes-Duluth | Sunk in Caribbean, by U-518, in March 1944 |
Mara |
1945 |
Esso Mara | Bethlehem | Arrived Valencia for scrapping – February 1965 |
THE ‘OXFORD’ CLASS OF 1953 – 1955
A class of handy-sized tankers brought out in the early 1950’s. Constructed to a specially adapted American design of all-welded construction and thirty cargo tanks. With a crude oil capacity of 26,700 tons, a feature of that time was the unusually high rate of discharge at around 3,000 tons per hour. Two steam turbines geared to a single shaft provided a speed on about 17 knots. The vessels were 630 feet in length and breadth was 83 feet. GRT was about 17,500 tons.
VESSEL NAME |
YEAR |
GRT |
BUILDER |
DISPOSAL |
ULTIMATE FATE |
Esso Oxford |
1953 |
17,539 |
Cammell Laird & Co | Sold in 1972 | B/U at Castellton in 1974 |
Esso Cambridge |
1954 |
17,551 |
Cammell Laird & Co | Sold in 1968 | B/U at Piraeus in 1976 |
Esso Westminster |
1954 |
17,554 |
Vickers-Armstrongs | Sold in 1972 | B/U at Santander in 1975 |
Esso Canterbury |
1954 |
17,543 |
Vickers-Armstrongs | Sold in 1968 | Sank following an explosion in 1972 |
Esso York |
1955 |
17,570 |
Vickers-Armstrongs | Lighter 1969 | B/U at Bombay in 1981 |
Esso Exeter |
1955 |
17,554 |
Vickers-Armstrongs | Sold in 1968 | B/U at Kaohsiung in 1982 |
The 1954-built Esso Cambridge of the Esso Petroleum Company was one of the first oil tankers affected by the Suez crisis of 1956. At 21:30 hours on 31st October 1956 the Esso Cambridge was in a position 110 miles East of Gibraltar bound for Mena Al Ahmadi in the Persian Gulf via the Suez Canal, to load crude oil for the refinery at Fawley. A radio message came through to the Master from Esso instructing the vessel to proceed to the Gulf via the Cape of Good Hope calling in Cape Town for bunkers due to the expiry of the Anglo-French ultimatum to Egypt earlier that day without result. The impact of the non-navigable Suez Canal for over five months, until early April 1957, had a profound effect on the marine operations of Esso and all other oil majors.
THE ‘CITY’ CLASS OF 1957 – 1960
There were twelve vessels of this class built between 1957 and 1960. These vessels were of around 36,000 TDW and propulsion was by means of two steam turbines geared to a single shaft, providing a speed of around 16.5 knots. The vessels had an overall length of 696 feet and breadth of 90 feet. The vessels details are shown in the Table below :
VESSEL NAME |
YEAR |
GRT |
BUILDER |
DISPOSAL |
ULTIMATE FATE |
Esso Guildford |
1957 |
23,960 |
AG Weser of Bremen | Sold in 1969 | B/U Bilbao in 1976 |
Esso Winchester |
1958 |
24,026 |
AG Weser of Bremen | Sold in 1969 | B/U Kaohsiung in 1979 |
Esso Salisbury |
1957 |
24,008 |
Howaldtswerke AG | Sold in 1972 | B/U Kaohsiung in 1975 |
Esso Bristol |
1958 |
23,972 |
Howaldtswerke AG | Esso Nicaragua in 1964 | B/U Kaohsiung in 1977 |
Esso Norwich |
1959 |
23,997 |
Arsenal de Brest | Esso Balboa in 1962 | B/U Kaohsiung in 1975 |
Esso Durham |
1958 |
23,862 |
Vickers-Armstrongs | Sold in 1967 | B/U Kaohsiung in 1975 |
Esso Portsmouth |
1959 |
24,125 |
Vickers-Armstrongs | Sold in 1972 | Foundered August 1975 |
Esso Southampton |
1958 |
23,457 |
Cantieri Riuniti d’Ad | Esso Jamaica in 1962 | B/U Kaohsiung in 1977 |
Esso Coventry |
1959 |
23,275 |
Cantieri Riuniti d’Ad | Esso Trieste in 1963 | B/U Masan in 1975 |
Esso Windsor |
1958 |
23,581 |
Cantieri Riuniti d’Ad | Esso Genova in 1963 | B/U Kaohsiung in 1978 |
Esso Liverpool |
1959 |
23,720 |
Cantieri Riuniti d’Ad | Esso El Salvador in 1964 | B/U Kaohsiung in 1977 |
Esso Dublin |
1960 |
21,627 |
Cantieri Riuniti d’Ad | Esso Honduras in 1964 | B/U Kaohsiung in 1976 |
The Esso Portsmouth and Esso Durham both suffered major damage, in July 1960 and January 1961 respectively, due to serious explosions and fire. Both ships were subsequently salvaged and new mid-sections pieced in, together with other major modifications including modernisation to accommodation. The Esso Portsmouth, with an additional 4,000 tons of steel increasing her size to 40,300 DWT and length to 733 feet, was later sold to Winson Tankers Limited of Panama in 1972. On a voyage from Galveston to India in January 1975, carrying wheat, the vessel went aground on North Danger Reef in the South China Sea, remaining there until refloated on 6th August 1975. However, two days later she foundered in heavy weather whilst under tow.
THE ‘ESSO FAWLEY’ CLASS OF 1967 / 1968
When built in Sweden, the ‘Esso Fawley’ class at just over 18,000 TDW were the largest vessels in Esso’s coastal fleet and were designed for distributing refined products from the Fawley and Milford Haven refineries. They became frequent users of the Dingle tanker buoy berth in the River Mersey, completed in August 1967, and connected to the onshore Dingle Bank Oil Storage Facility adjacent to the Herculaneum Branch Dock, where importation of oil first began in 1892. Two oil engines, geared to a single controllable-pitch propeller, giving the vessels a speed of 16.25 knots powered these ships. (A third vessel of the same class, the Esso Slagen, was completed by A/B Lindholmens, in October of 1968, for Esso Norske of Oslo).
VESSEL NAME |
BUILT |
GRT |
BUILDERS NAME |
ULTIMATE FATE |
Esso Fawley |
Sep 1967 |
11,064 |
A/B Lindholmens Varv |
Renamed Petro Fawleyin 1994 |
Esso Milford Haven |
Jan 1968 |
10,902 |
A/B Lindholmens Varv |
Renamed Petro Milford Havenin 1994 |
COASTAL SHIPS OF THE 1960’s
VESSEL NAME |
BUILT |
GRT |
BUILDERS NAME |
PROPULSION |
ULTIMATE FATE |
Esso Tynemouth |
Feb 1960 |
525 |
J. Bolson & Sons Ltd |
Oil Engine |
Sold in 1978 |
Esso Ipswich |
Nov 1960 |
1,103 |
J. L. Thompson & Sons |
Oil Engine |
Sold in 1981 |
Esso Dover |
Mar 1961 |
490 |
J. Bolson & Sons Ltd |
Oil Engine |
Sold in 1980 |
Esso Jersey |
May 1961 |
313 |
Scott & Sons of Bowling |
Oil Engine |
Sold in 1973 |
Esso Caernarvon |
Jul 1962 |
1,103 |
J. L. Thompson & Sons |
Oil Engine |
Sold in 1985 |
Esso Purfleet |
Jan 1967 |
2,838 |
Furness S. B. Coy Ltd |
Oil Engine |
Sold in 1983 |
THE ‘ESSO LINCOLN’ 52,000 TDW CLASS OF 1962 / 1963
VESSEL NAME |
BUILT |
GRT |
BUILDERS NAME |
PROPULSION |
ULTIMATE FATE |
Esso Lincoln | Sep 1962 | 31,720 | Nederlandsche Dok | Steam Turbines | B/U at Kaohsiung in 1976 |
Esso Edinburgh | Feb 1963 | 30,981 | Vickers-Armstrongs | Steam Turbines | B/U at Kaohsiung in 1976 |
Esso Cardiff | May 1963 | 31,720 | Nederlandsche Dok | Steam Turbines | B/U at Ulsan in 1983 |
Esso Newcastle | Dec 1963 | 31,200 | Vickers-Armstrongs | Steam Turbines | Renamed Exxon Santa Ynez |
In July of 1964, the S.S. Esso Cardiff was sent to the Tyneside Yard of Palmers of Hebburn to become the first of the Company’s ships to have the new bulbous bow fitted.
On 22 February 1965, the S.S. Esso Lincoln struck the Avocet Rock in the Red Sea, at speed, during a passage from Jabbal Dhanna to Milford Haven, sustaining severe damage, which was later repaired in Italy.
In 1977, the S.S. Esso Newcastle was converted by a Japanese shipyard to become a ‘floating separation/gas-treating/storage facility’ for crude oil production, and renamed W.P. No. 1. Her deckhouse, funnel and engines were removed for this new purpose. In 1980, she was renamed Exxon Santa Ynez and moored some 3-4 miles offshore at the Hondo Field, off Santa Barbara, California, attached to a single anchor leg mooring system about 1-2 miles from the production platform.
THE ‘COUNTY’ CLASS OF THE 1960’s
VESSEL NAME |
BUILT |
GRT |
BUILDERS NAME |
PROPULSION |
ULTIMATE FATE |
Esso Pembrokeshire |
1961 |
48,898 |
A. G. Weser, Bremen | Steam Turbines | B/U at Kaohsiung in 1975 |
Esso Hampshire |
1962 |
48,141 |
Verolme Dok en Sch. | Steam Turbines | B/U at Kaohsiung in 1975 |
Esso Warwickshire |
1962 |
48,049 |
A. G. Weser, Bremen | Steam Turbines | B/U at Dongsham in 1988 |
Esso Lancashire |
1962 |
49,397 |
Kockums Mekaniska | Steam Turbines | B/U at Barcelona in 1977 |
Esso Yorkshire |
1963 |
52,544 |
Kockums Mekaniska | Steam Turbines | B/U at Kaohsiung in 1975 |
Esso London |
1964 |
52,342 |
A. G. Weser, Bremen | Steam Turbines | B/U at Split in 1982 |
THE ADVENT OF THE VLCC CLASS OF THE LATE 1960’s / EARLY 1970’s
VESSEL NAME | YEAR |
GRT |
DWT |
BUILDER |
PROPULSION |
ULTIMATE FATE |
Esso Mercia |
1967 |
87,002 |
169,496 |
A. G. Weser |
Steam Turbine |
B/U at Kaohsiung in 1984 |
Esso Anglia |
1968 |
97,082 |
193,361 |
Chantiers de l’A |
Steam Turbine |
B/U at Kaohsiung in 1978 |
Esso Bernicia |
1968 |
96,903 |
193,658 |
Howaldtswerke |
Steam Turbine |
B/U at Kaohsiung in 1979 |
Esso Scotia |
1969 |
127,158 |
253,962 |
A. G. Weser |
Steam Turbine |
B/U at Kaohsiung in 1981 |
Esso Cambria |
1969 |
127,158 |
253,962 |
Verolme Dok en Sch. |
Steam Turbine |
B/U at Kaohsiung in 1982 |
Esso Northumbria |
1970 |
126,543 |
254,277 |
Swan Hunter S. B. Ltd. |
Steam Turbine |
B/U at Kaohsiung in 1982 |
Esso Hibernia |
1970 |
126,539 |
254,277 |
Swan Hunter S. B. Ltd |
Steam Turbine |
B/U at Kaohsiung in 1984 |
Esso Ulidia |
1970 |
126,538 |
254,011 |
Harland & Wolff Ltd |
Steam Turbine |
Laid up 1983. B/U in 1983 |
Esso Caledonia |
1971 |
126,535 |
250,011 |
Harland & Wolff Ltd |
Steam Turbine |
B/U at Masan in 1982 |
Esso Demetia |
1973 |
125,293 |
258,979 |
Kockums Mekaniska |
Steam Turbine |
B/U in 1994 after E.R. fire |
Esso Dalriada |
1973 |
125,331 |
259,042 |
Kockums Mekaniska |
Steam Turbine |
Sold to Liberia in 1984 |
OTHER ESSO VLCC’s AND ULCC’s OF THE 1970’s – UNDER OTHER NATIONAL FLAGS
VESSEL NAMES AND COUNTRIES |
YEAR |
GRT |
DWT |
ULTIMATE FATE |
Esso Soc. Anon. Francaise (France) |
|
|
|
|
Esso Bretagne |
1971 |
127,777 |
259,210 |
B/U Kaohsiung in 1982 |
Esso Provence |
1971 |
127,777 |
259,210 |
B/U Inchon, Korea in 1984 |
Esso Flandre |
1972 |
127,502 |
253,557 |
B/U Masan, Korea in 1982 (ex-Esso Rotterdam) |
Esso Gascogne |
1972 |
126,188 |
256,740 |
B/U Masan, Korea in 1982 |
Esso Languedoc |
1973 |
126,186 |
256,999 |
Was still in service in 1986 |
Esso Normandie |
1974 |
137,578 |
273,999 |
Was still in service in 1986 |
Esso Picardie |
1976 |
137,578 |
279,467 |
Was still in service in 1986 |
Esso Tankschiff Reederei GmbH (Germany) |
|
|
|
|
Esso Europa |
1969 |
126,321 |
257,995 |
B/U Kaohsiung in 1982 |
Esso Bonn |
1974 |
126,192 |
256,962 |
Was still in service in 1986 (ex-Esso Bahamas) |
Esso Hamburg |
1974 |
126,192 |
256,702 |
Was still in service in 1986 (ex-Esso Bermuda) |
Esso Deutschland |
1976 |
203,869 |
421,681 |
Laid up in 1983. Sold off in 1985 to USA |
Esso Tankvaart Nederlande Antillen (Holland) |
|
|
|
|
Esso Europoort |
1970 |
127,176 |
253,962 |
B/U Kaohsiung in 1982 |
Esso Nederland |
1970 |
127,176 |
253,962 |
B/U Kaohsiung in 1982 |
Esso Bonaire |
1973 |
127,502 |
255,027 |
B/U Kaohsiung in 1983 |
Esso Saba |
1974 |
126,943 |
260,831 |
Laid up in Brunei Bay in 1983 |
Esso Oceanic Inc. (Liberia) |
|
|
|
|
Al Duriyah |
1975 |
150,622 |
307,233 |
Laid up in Brunei Bay in 1985
ex-Esso Geneva, Esso Al Duriyah, Esso Geneva |
Esso Tankers Inc. (Liberia) |
|
|
|
|
Esso Copenhagen |
1970 |
112,763 |
253,300 |
B/U Busan in 1982 |
Esso Skandia |
1970 |
112,763 |
254,011 |
B/U Kaohsiung in 1983 |
Esso Wilhelmshaven |
1970 |
113,752 |
253,873 |
B/U Kaohsiung in 1982 |
Esso Rotterdam |
1972 |
127,502 |
253,557 |
B/U Masan in 1982 (as Esso Flandre) |
Esso Kagoshima |
1973 |
114,797 |
261,158 |
B/U Kaohsiung in 1986 |
Esso Okinawa |
1973 |
114,797 |
260,910 |
B/U Kaohsiung in 1986 |
Esso Osaka |
1973 |
146,312 |
283,154 |
B/U Kaohsiung in 1985 |
Esso Singapore |
1973 |
114,633 |
256,715 |
B/U Ulsan in 1984 |
Esso Honolulu |
1974 |
146,309 |
283,397 |
Laid up in Phuket, Thailand in 1984 |
Esso Indonesia |
1974 |
114,797 |
261,230 |
B/U Kaohsiung in 1986 |
Esso Kawasaki |
1974 |
150,622 |
307,431 |
Was still in service in 1986 |
Esso Africa |
1975 |
137,166 |
274,467 |
Was still in service in 1986 |
Esso Bilbao |
1975 |
146,309 |
283,271 |
Damaged by Exocet missile 50 miles South of Kharg Island in Oct 1986. Sold to Greece 1986 |
Esso Geneva |
1975 |
150,622 |
307,233 |
Esso Al Duriyah in 1983. Laid up in 1985.
|
Esso Hawaii |
1975 |
146,309 |
283,274 |
Laid up in Brunei Bay in 1984 |
Esso Italia |
1972 |
117,260 |
253,714 |
B/U Kaohsiung in 1983 |
Esso Japan |
1976 |
192,673 |
406,640 |
Laid up at Aalesund 1982. Sold for storage 1986. |
Esso Madrid |
1976 |
188,634 |
388,119 |
Laid up at Vestnes 1983. Sold to USA in 1985. |
Esso Tokyo |
1976 |
192,673 |
406,258 |
Sold to Gibraltar 1985. Sold for storage1985. |
Esso Atlantic |
1977 |
259,532 |
516,893 |
Laid up at Aalesund 1983 |
Esso Caribbean |
1976 |
208,060 |
395,156 |
Laid up at Aalesund 1983 |
Esso Mediterranean |
1976 |
202,798 |
395,367 |
Laid up at Vestnes 1983 |
Esso Pacific |
1977 |
234,626 |
516,423 |
Laid up at Vestnes 1983 |
Esso Le Havre |
1977 |
173,086 |
387,936 |
Laid up at Brunei Bay 1983. Sold to USA 1986. |
In late 1972, the Standard Oil Company (New Jersey) changed its name to the Exxon Corporation. One of the main reasons for the name change was the long-standing confusion there had been between Standard Oil (New Jersey) and other competing companies in the USA that used the ‘Standard Oil’ name. The decision to change came about following a court ruling that the Esso trademark could not be used nationwide.
The change in title was initially intended for use as a primary trademark in the United Staes only. Thus, it only affected the existing names on 26,000 petrol station outlets and countless road tankers of the domestic Humble Oil and Refining Company and the names of the ships of the Humble Transportation Company of Houston, Texas, which flew the flag of the USA and were registered in Wilmington, Delaware.
The name of the Humble Transportation Company became the Exxon Transportation Company, Houston, and from around mid-1973 all the ships of the Company were renamed with the prefix ‘Exxon’ to their place names.
Although the name ‘Esso’ offered no such problems to international affiliates, the new name, ‘Exxon’, was registered in virtually every country in the world where trademark registration is available in order to protect its possible future use worldwide. In May 1983, all ships of the Exxon Transportation Company were transferred to Exxon Shipping Company of Houston.
Angus MacKinnon (deceased)
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