Flatiron (ship)

A flatiron, or flattie, is a type of coastal trading vessel designed to pass under bridges that have limited clearance.

Most were colliers built to bring coal from North East England and South Wales to gasworks and power stations on the River Thames that were upriver from the Pool of London.

[2] By the middle of the 1940s flatiron motor ships with marine diesel engines were being built.

[3] The Gas Light and Coke Company's collier fleet included flatirons to serve its gasworks at Fulham and Nine Elms.

Redundant flatirons were sold to private shipping companies who used them as conventional coasters.

Wandsworth and District Gas Company 's SS Ewell in 1926 approaching London Bridge with her mast, funnel and wheelhouse folded down
Wandsworth and District Gas Company's SS Wandle steaming up the Thames on her maiden voyage in 1932 with her mast and funnel up
SS Wandle in 1932 passing under Southwark Bridge with her mast, funnel and wheelhouse folded down
Gas Light and Coke Company 's SS Suntrap at Woolwich in 1931, steaming upriver to Nine Elms Gasworks