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Coryton Refinery JLP01_01_167_54
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Coryton Refinery JLP01_01_167_54
CORYTON OIL REFINERY, THURROCK, ESSEX. Workers moving a floating petrol tank during the construction of Coryton Oil Refinery, showing the tank just prior to turning the corner.
The caption beneath this album print reads Floating petrol tanks. Coryton. " Admirals Gig". Shows the tank just prior to turning the corner, the dinghy was for going from one bank to the other and for tying the haulage ropes.
Coryton Oil Refinery was ceremonially opened in May 1954 by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother. It was operated by Vacuum Oil Company; a unit of Mobil. From 1996, the refinery was run by BP as part of a joint venture with Mobil. Ownership of Coryton Refinery was later transferred to BP in 2000, and then Petroplus Holdings in 2007. Major products of the refinery included petrol and diesel, aviation fuels, liquefied petroleum gas, fuel oils and bitumen. Coryton Oil Refinery was closed down in 2012
Historic England is the public body that champions and protects England's historic places
Media ID 23851972
© Historic England Archive. John Laing Photographic Collection
1950s Boat Engineering Industry Oil Refinery People Transport Work Workmen
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures a significant moment in the construction of Coryton Oil Refinery, located in Thurrock, Essex. The image showcases workers diligently maneuvering a floating petrol tank as it approaches a corner. The caption beneath the album print aptly describes these tanks as "Floating petrol tanks" and mentions that they were referred to as "Admirals Gig". Additionally, it highlights the purpose of a dinghy seen nearby, which was used for transportation between banks and securing haulage ropes. Coryton Oil Refinery holds historical significance as it was inaugurated by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother in May 1954. Initially operated by Vacuum Oil Company (a Mobil unit), BP took over its management through a joint venture with Mobil from 1996 onwards. Subsequently, ownership transferred to BP in 2000 and later to Petroplus Holdings in 2007. This refinery played a crucial role in producing major petroleum products such as petrol, diesel, aviation fuels, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), fuel oils, and bitumen. Sadly, this iconic refinery ceased operations in 2012 after serving the industry for several decades. However, this photograph serves as an enduring testament to the hard work and dedication of those involved during its construction phase. It offers us a glimpse into the engineering marvels of mid-20th century Britain while showcasing individuals at work amidst an industrial landscape dominated by oil refineries.
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