Esso Northumbria was launched from Wallsend on May the 2nd 1969. She was
first in a succession of giant supertankers (253,000 tons) to be built at Swan Hunter's.
On the 8th February 1970 she was guided by a fleet of tugs slowly down the Tyne.
Watched by thousands on both banks. The launching ceremony was performed by Her Royal Highness Princess Anne.
Meanwhile her sister ship Esso Hibernia was nearing completion. She was launched
on Monday 6th April, 1970.
