By registering with our site you will have full instant access to:
268,000 posts on every subject imaginable contributed by 1000's of members worldwide.
25000 photos and videos mainly relating to the British Merchant Navy.
Members experienced in research to help you find out about friends and relatives who served.
The camaraderie of 1000's of ex Merchant Seamen who use the site for recreation & nostalgia.
Here we are all equal whether ex Deck Boy or Commodore of the Fleet.
A wealth of experience and expertise from all departments spanning 70+ years.
It is simple to register and membership is absolutely free.
N.B. If you are going to be requesting help from one of the forums with finding historical details of a relative
please include as much information as possible to help members assist you. We certainly need full names,
date and place of birth / death where possible plus any other details you have such as discharge book numbers etc.
Please post all questions onto the appropriate forum
-
9th February 2020, 09:24 PM
#1
Brian's favourite vessel
This day the Esso Northumbria left the yard to begin sea trials.
Rgds
J.A.
https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news...a-17706975.amp
-
Post Thanks / Like
-
10th February 2020, 11:34 AM
#2
Re: Brian's favourite vessel
I was 3rd Mate on her in 1976, . she was a heap, falling to pieces, Very badly made. She was one of four of that class. two built on the Tyne inc. Esso Hibernia, both knackered, two built in Belfast, Caledonia and Ulidia , excellent,
She was 256,000 dwt, launched by Princess Anne,
I was friends with the designer Joe Hirder, of the USA, sailed with him a few times on cruises, He told me that the launch had to be cancelled three times as she was not ready on time., he sadly died about six years ago.
When I was on her she broke down off Cape Town and we spent over three months there, so I was seconded to Court Helicopters to update and improve the Helicopter/Ship Operations manual. an exciting job. flying around the Cape.
Cheers
Brian
Last edited by Mike Hall; 10th February 2020 at 03:33 PM.
-
Post Thanks / Like
-
10th February 2020, 02:20 PM
#3
Re: Brian's favourite vessel
Hi Cpt
I never sailed on a Esso tanker but I was aware of the gossip as such, it stood for.
Eat, Sleep, S**t, Overtime.
True or not I don't know but it was quite a strong rumour going around in the 60's.
Last edited by Graham Payne; 10th February 2020 at 02:21 PM.
Graham R774640
-
Post Thanks / Like
-
10th February 2020, 05:55 PM
#4
Re: Brian's favourite vessel
Hi Graham
Esso was the very best company to work for.
We were really looked after.
Now many of their Seafarers were made Millionaires, that really is £1,000,000 PLUS, my brother is one. he stayed there for 20 years. before retirement.
When I was 52 I was made to take early retirement, as the fleet was being reduced, so any one over 50 had to go, I had worked for ten years, I got a BIG Golden Handshake, with incredible Financial advisers, still got more money than I started with and spend a lot on world cruises every year. Also a Free Pension for life non contributory, I also get the MNOPF of course.
But the best was the shares in the Company, EXXONMOBIL. unfortunately for me that scheme only started in my last month. but I bought Six shares, with my last salary, for £290 , reinvested the Dividends and just sold them for $12,000. so the Lads who stayed for the end another ten years made up tO $1,400,000.
Yes the best move I ever made was joining ESSO.
cheers
Brian
-
Post Thanks / Like
Tags for this Thread
Posting Permissions
- You may not post new threads
- You may not post replies
- You may not post attachments
- You may not edit your posts
-
Forum Rules