Volume One - Into the Victorian Age - The Penarth Shipbuilding & Ship Repairing Company Limited . . .

1909 - 'Laura' - a pontoon coaling hulk

1909 - Shipbuilding at Penarth - 'The Penarth Shipbuilding and Ship-repairing Company (Limited) successfully launched on Monday a pontoon coaling hulk, the 'Laura', constructed to the order of Messrs. Stephenson, Clarke, and Co., London. This pontoon hulk has several novel features, and is specially designed to carry the whole of its cargo of about 300 tons of coal on its deck.

The ceremony of christening was gracefully performed by Mrs. Beasley (wife of Mr. A. Beasley, the general manager of the Taff Vale Railway Company), and the 'Laura' glided into the water broadsidewise, amidst the enthusiasm of a large crowd assembled to witness the launch. amongst those present at the ceremony were Mr. W. H. Chambers (the South Wales manager of Messrs. Stephenson, Clarke, and Co.), Mr. A. Beasley (general manager of the Taff Vale Railway Company), Mr. Samuel Thomas, J.P. (dock superintendent), Mr. J. J. Bryson (general manager of the Penarth Slipway Company), and several others.

Fishguard Harbour, West Wales, c.1910 with its coaling hulks clearly visible. [000] [002]