BENGLOE (5040976), Ben Line Steamers Ltd., 11282gt,
completed Charles Connell & Co., Scotstoun, Glasgow, 6-1961
BU Hong Kong 2.8.78 [Loy Kee Shipbreaker & Tptn Co]
Tptn? Transportation??

Albert Weller slides. Middlesbrough Dock - undated: Ron

Remember well seeing her on her maiden voyage, 6 July 1961 on Tyne-Tees Wharf of course.
I'm quite surprised to see all these Bens in the Dock, was there a period when they abandoned Tyne-Tees but later moved to Tees Dock?
When did they leave Tyne-Tees?

George,

Just had a look through my notebooks from late 1960 through to the end of 1963. True that most Ben Line ships were at Tyne-Tees in that period, but I have the following sightings in Middlesbrough Dock:
BENATTOW - 9 March 1961;
BENCRUACHAN - 3 May 1961;
BENRINNES - 5 July 1962.

Clearly, also, the BENLAWERS of 1944 was another exception prior to her scrapping in 1968.

Moving on to the later 60s, I wonder if the then new BENALBANACH and BENCRUACHAN class were considered too large for T-T; after all we've heard they were almost too big for Middlesbrough Dock!

Many of Albert Weller's Ben Line slides seem to date from the late 60s, early 70s, in which regard it is relevant that THPA closed Middlesbrough Wharf (ex Tyne-Tees/Dent's) to commercial shipping from February 1971.

Conversely, the last Ben Line ship I have noted as being at T-T was the BENVORLICH on 28 December 1965 ... so maybe M'bro Dock or Tees Dock only from 1966 onwards?

Ron

Thanks Ron .... as I was a Leeds-based ship-spotter (!) 1964-1967 I was more in touch with Liverpool and Hull shipping than the changes on the Tees.

BENGLOE sailing from Middlesbrough Dock in May 1978

Bet the C/Eng was popular with the deck crowd after the first picture.

Assumed she was diesel but she had twin Steam Turbines developing 15,500 SHP by David Rowan and Co Ltd, Glasgow.

Looking at the dates that must have been her last or last but one voyage...

May 78, broken-up 2nd August 78. UK to Hong Kong 8 weeks?? Arrival date at Hong Kong was the 29th July 1978 and yes Ron, its 'Loy Kee Shipbreaker and Transportation Co.'

No wonder she looks a bit sad.