For those of us on here of a maritime persuasion, an article caught my eye today. Back when I started Doxford was a household name, I'd guess maybe 20% of the deepwater dry cargo fleet had a Doxford.
Still, had a good innings, RIP
Last Doxford
Of the three ships sold for recycling on the Indian subcontinent last week India’s Aban Offshore 15,300-gt drillship ABAN ICE (built 1959) was the most unusual.The imminent scrapping of 64-year-old ship, which was originally built as a bulk carrier and converted into a drillship by Lauritzen in 1973, will bring to a close an important chapter in the history of British maritime technology.
https://www.tradewindsnews.com/news/2-1-1427771
The ABAN ICE is the last commercial ship in service equipped with a Doxford marine diesel engine.
Sunderland-based shipbuilder William Doxford & Sons was one of the pioneer developers of the marine diesel engine. The first Doxford diesel engine was tested in 1914 and the type went on to be fitted in numerous merchant ships as diesel technology proved more economical to operate than steam.
The last Doxford marine diesel engine was built in 1980 and the few remaining examples are now mostly found in museums.