I am always amazed by what is published nowadays and there are times when one finds a real gem. This book by David Williams covers something that I'll bet few if any of you have considered as a subject of interest and that is on those smaller coastal vessels that ply the short routes without really going into the open ocean. These ships are those that carry on the little seen but highly important work of dredging sand or gravel, transporting and emptying sludge from treatment plants, hauling coal or grain or oil, tending buoys and a myriad of other odd jobs.

As this book is mainly on those vessels that ply the coast of the UK as well as cross the Channel or the North Sea, some of these ships can also carry passengers for these short trips, though it is not their main task.

All of the ships you will see in these pages were doing their main work in the 1950's, 60's and 70's. Most have since been scrapped or broken up. Some were still steam powered, some converted to diesel, and most were built with diesel engines. The advent of diesel allowed more cargo to be carried as there was no need for the large boilers of steam engines.

The photos are superb and show most of these ships tied at moorings awaiting cargo or loading it. In all it is an excellent book of what is in many ways, a time gone by. A book that is a delight to read and one that I know you will find as fascinating a read as did I.

April  2008

Review book courtesy of  Casemate Publishing, where you can order your copy of this and many other superb books and DVDs.

If you would like your product reviewed fairly and quickly, please contact me or see other details in the Note to Contributors.