BENALBANACH (1967)

[teesships]

BENALBANACH (6713130), The Ben Line Steamers Ltd., 11466gt,
completed Charles Connell & Co., Scotstoun, Glasgow, 7-1967
1967 BENALBANACH - 1972 DA VERRAZZANO - 1980 REA B - 1985 RAZORBILL - 1987 BILL - 1988 GLINT
BU Alang 20.10.88 [Chaudry Industries]

Albert Weller slides in Middlesbrough Dock, circa July 1968:

One I never saw myself! These could be called MDmax as one of our pilot friends recalled one of this class becoming stuck in the lock when entering the dock.

Ron

[CLYDEBRAE]

Ron

I believe it was the Bencruachan which just squeezed out never to try again

John

[cromptony]

Yes, it was indeed "Bencruachan".

I was aboard at the time and we "Ground to a halt" inward in the Dock Cut,
touching the rubber fenders on both sides.

She moved again when going half speed then shot into the dock like a cork from
a bottle. She then took a hell of a lot of stopping as being a turbine ship had
limited stern power at the best of times !!

I did not hear of any problems when she sailed but after that incident I
believe Ben line always used Tees Dock. Indeed the next new Ben ship,
"Benlawyers" was way over size for Mbro Dock.

Tony
p.s. I must add that I was doing a "Training Passage" with a senior pilot so it
was in reality "Nowt to do with me" !!

[TEESMAN]

As the Italian DA VERRAZZANO at Seattle date unknown

Photo Dan Dorgan Michael Green Collection

[TEESMAN]

BENCRUACHAN at the builders cica September 1968 and in London 09.05.74

Michael Green Collection

09.05.74 Photo Ian Wells Michael Green Collection