Volume Two - The Era of Optimism, Investment & Development - Investment in efficient coaling facilities at the dock . . .

1901 - Shipping Facilities at Penarth -  Four New Coal-Tips Formally Opened - Four new coaling tips, perfectly modern in design and construction, were formally "opened" at the Penarth Dock Basin on the 26th ult., and the event was one of considerable interest and importance in its bearing upon Penarth. Invitations had been sent out by the chairman and directors to a large number of gentlemen connected with local shipping interests to join them at an inspection and trial of the new tips, and afterwards at luncheon. A special train was run from Cardiff to Penarth, which was reached just in time to enable those who made the journey to see the steamer Bangarth, of Liverpool, steaming into the basin, and getting into position for loading.

Among the hundred or more who witnessed the new tips at work were Mr. R. L. G. Vassall (chairman of the Taff Vale directors), Mr. Russell Rea, M.P. (deputy-chairman), and Messrs. H. Gray and David Evans (directors), A. Beasley (general manager), T. Hurry Riches (locomotive engineer), E. T. Sibbering (civil engineer), Samuel Thomas (docks superintendent), Colonel the Hon. G. W. H. Clive (chairman of the Penarth Harbour Dock. and Railway Company), Mr. Gordon Miller and Captain Maturin (representing the Admiralty), Mr. Robert Forrest, J.P., Mr. J. Herbert Cory, Mr. J. B. Ferrier. the Hon. D. T. Phillips (American Consul), and others.

s.s. 'Bangarth' being loaded at the four coal tips in the basin which apparently gave Penarth Dock the reputation of being the fastest coal-loading port in the world by 1908!

The Bangarth (see above image) arrived in the dock at low tide, and berthed under one tip at 11.40 to fill her bunkers, shipping 50 tons in eight minutes. She shifted into position for loading cargo at five minutes to twelve, the four "shoots" being adjusted to her hatchways. By ten minutes to two the ship was loaded with her full cargo of 2,154 tons 14cwt., and before two o'clock she had left the dock and put out to sea on her voyage to Liverpool, where she will bunker some of the large Cunard and White Star liners.