| Name: | ESSO DURHAM |
| Type: | Tanker |
| Launched: | 20/12/1957 |
| Completed: | 09/1958 |
| Builder: | Vickers-Armstrongs (Shipbuilders) Ltd |
| Yard: | High Walker |
| Yard Number: | 159 |
| Dimensions: | 23862grt, 12949nrt, 36000dwt, 690.0 x 90.5 x 35.6ft; (1962: 25673grt, 733.0ft) |
| Engines: | 2 x Steam turbines, DR geared to 1 shaft, 17600shp |
| Engines by: | Vickers-Armstrongs Ltd, Barrow-in-Furness |
| Propulsion: | 1 x Screw |
| Construction: | Steel |
| Reg Number: | 300766 |
| History: | |
| 09/1958 | Esso Petroleum Co Ltd, London |
| 1969 | Petroleum Transport Inc, Monrovia; renamed DURHAM |
| 1971 | Renamed PYRGOS |
| 1972 | Helmos Shipping Inc, Monrovia; renamed COURIER |
| 07/1975 | Broken up |
| Comments: | 26/01/1961: Whilst on a voyage from Fawley to Mena al Ahmadi in |
| ballast, an explosion in an empty tank nearly broke the ship in two. | |
| She was taken into Gibraltar and cut in two in way of the damage. | |
| A new longer section of tanks was constructed by Astilleros de Cadiz | |
| 30/09/1961: Aft part left Gibraltar under tow to Cadiz | |
| 03/10/1961: Fore part left Gibraltar under tow to Cadiz | |
| Sections were joined at Cadiz & midship accommodation moved aft. | |
| 1962: Lengthened to 733.0ft, 25673grt, 40283dwt | |
| 31/07/1975: Arrived at Kaohsiung for breaking by Taiwan Shipbreakers Corp |
Above photo copyright of Evening Chronicle
Above photo copyright of Tyne & Wear Museums
Above photos showing original design. Photo courtesy of Photoship
Above photo, showing the damage from the explosion in 1961, is copyright of G Gaskin
Above photo as ESSO DURHAM showing reconstructed design. Photo courtesy of Photoship
Above photo as ESSO DURHAM showing reconstructed design. Photo courtesy of Photoship
Above photo as COURIER is copyright of the City of Vancouver Archives, Walter Frost collection