Flatiron (ship)

A flatiron is a type of coastal trading vessel designed to pass under bridges that have limited clearance. Her mast(s) are hinged or telescopic, her funnel may be hinged, and her wheelhouse may also fold flat.

Flatirons were developed in the UK in the latter part of the 19th century. 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.

Until the middle of the 20th century flatirons were built with triple-expansion steam engines. The largest steam flatirons were more than 1,550 gross register tons. The last steam-powered flatirons were built in the 1950s.

By the middle of the 1940s flatiron motor ships with marine diesel engines were being built. The largest motor flatirons were more than 1,870 GRT and more than 2,800 deadweight tons.

Some of Stephenson Clarke and Associates' fleet were flatirons.William Cory and Son's fleet included at least one flatiron. The Gas Light and Coke Company's collier fleet included flatirons to serve its gasworks at Fulham and Nine Elms. The London Power Company's collier fleet included flatirons to serve Battersea Power Station. The Metropolitan Borough of Fulham had a flatiron fleet to serve Fulham Power Station. The Wandsworth and District Gas Company had a flatiron fleet to serve Wandsworth Gasworks.

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