Runcorn, Runcorn Pierhead, Manchester Ship Canal 1894

Photo ref: 33810

More about this scene

During its first year of operations the MSC handled exports totalling 299,407 tons and imports of 386,751 tons; in 1897 the figures rose to 494,862 tons and 1,053,637 tons respectively. With the mills of Oldham and Bolton preferring to use Egyptian rather than American cotton, the MSC saw its share of total UK imports for Egyptian cotton rise from 21.4 per cent to 33.6 per cent by 1899-1900; in anticipation of lucrative contracts for frozen meat, the MSC went ahead in 1895 with the construction of cold storage buildings at Manchester. Manchester also had its own shipping companies. James Knott founded Port Line in 1894, offering a direct service to Alexandria, which was in direct competition with the Liverpool- based Moss Line. Knott was helped by the MSC, who gave his ships free towage, discounted dock labour, and provided free barging of cargo to and from Liverpool. Manchester Liners was registered in May 1898; its intention was to operate services to and from Canada. Their first cargo to arrive in Manchester was aboard the Raylton Dixon-built 'Manchester City' (5833 grt). It included 450 head of cattle, 150 sheep, 67,000 bushels of maize, 39,929 bushels of wheat, and 37,117 bushels and 1500 bags of oats. The bulk of the cargo was within carting distance of the docks.