by Matthew Oaks | Feb 24, 2016
Around this time the Middle East Oil Crisis erupts, badly affecting crude oil supply. Petrol prices rise dramatically causing a reduction in demand for fuel to be transported up the canals to Leeds. There is also a near collapse of the fishing industry which currently...
by Matthew Oaks | Feb 24, 2016
Until 1955 the company has only operated smooth water barges, but with the encouragement of BP, Whitaker’s purchase a 450 tonne coastal tanker, previously used as a German U Boat tender in the war. This vessel operates out of Falmouth; a big step for the...
by Matthew Oaks | Feb 23, 2016
It’s the end of World War 2 and the company begins repairing and regrouping. Having been commandeered by the government during wartime, a number of barges suffer damage while others have been sunk. The two dry docks are badly damaged. Thankfully, the company...
by Matthew Oaks | Feb 11, 2016
The company pushes forward with motorising the canal barges. 1936 sees the last of the company horses being sold.
by Matthew Oaks | Feb 11, 2016
By the end of World War One, ships are converting from coal fired steam to oil fired engines, and the company responds by increasing the fleet to approximately 30 bunker barges.
