Registration number 2024
Status Registered
a12admin

Details

Function Cargo Vessel
Subfunction Lighter
Location Millom
Vessel type Mersey Flat
Current use Ongoing conservation
Available to hire No
Available for excursions No

Construction

Builder Abel, Richard & Sons, Runcorn
Built in 1951
Rig Gaff - Other
Number of decks 1
Number of masts 1
Propulsion Towed
Number of engines 1
Primary engine type Inboard diesel
Boiler type None
Boilermaker None

Dimensions

Breadth: Beam
15.75 feet (4.80m)
Depth
3.00 feet (0.92m)
Length: Overall
72.50 feet (22.11m)
Tonnage: Gross
66.00

History

Built in 1951 by Richard Abel & Sons of Runcorn, OAKDALE is a Mersey Flat of composite construction with a Lister HA3 diesel engine. She spent her working life on the Rivers Mersey and Weaver and was used as a grain barge. She is one of only two Flats surviving and is the only remaining composite construction Mersey Flat. She is also the only remaining merchant vessel built at Runcorn and is built to the same pattern as boats built by Abels in the 1850s.

Update, March 2020: OAKDALE suffered considerable damage during the recent storms.  The generator and pumps have been dried-out and will be brought back on-line soon.  Extensive damage to the outer hull will be worked on over the coming months, to get the flat back to watertight and safe conditions.

In May 2023, an internal video was done and can be seen https://youtu.be/7ELPBvzs6Eo  © Daryl Stocker

Grants

  • July 2016

    A grant of £1000 has been awarded from the Strategic development Fund for remedial and volunteer works on Oakdale

Sources

Stammers, Mike, Mersey Flats and Flatmen

Own this vessel?

If you are the owner of this vessel and would like to provide more details or updated information, please contact info@nationalhistoricships.org.uk

More like this

Mossdale - port quarter

Registered, built 1860 by Speakman, William, Chester