Responding to change : shipping deployments in the Baltic trade of the Tyne, 1860-1880

Osler, A. (Adrian)

Abstract

This thesis explores two related propositions: that shipping providers engaged in the Baltic Trade of the Tyne, 1860-1880, responded rationally to change; and, that the role of the Baltic trade in the development of Britain’s steam-powered merchant marine has been underrated. Whilst previous discussions of this trade and its shipping are speculative in part or examine the broad national outline only, this study provides an alternative, regionally-based approach employing rigorous quantitative analysis. Reliance is placed upon critical examination of a little used primary source, the Newcastle Bill of Entry and Shipping List, 1860-1880, supported by information extracted from contemporary regional sources, consular reports, and Parliamentary papers concerning the coal and shipping industries.
The Baltic trade’s volume, nature, direction and carriers are investigated from the viewpoint of the principal British exporter, the port of Tyne, providing for its reassessment nationally, and deepening understanding of the growth of this (little studied) major English port. The concept of rationality of response is applied to explain observed changes in the shipping employed - British and foreign, sail and steam - gauging providers’ reactions against a clear measure of the degree (and speed) of shifts and opportunities that occurred in the economic and technical environments. More specifically, the introduction of the bulk carrying steamer into the Baltic is revealed as having had a marked influence on the development of British shipowners’ tramp fleets.
Between 1860 and 1880 the Tyne’s exports to the Baltic grew at unprecedented rate, a demand-led situation that placed great pressure upon the available shipping tonnage. Stability of supply was ensured not only through the capacity of carriers to respond by the adoption of innovative technologies and practices, but by the select responses that allowed pre-existing supply chains and techniques to persist. Complementarity and interdependence, rather than competition alone, was the key to expansion.

Citation

Osler, A. (. Responding to change : shipping deployments in the Baltic trade of the Tyne, 1860-1880. (Thesis). University of Hull. https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/4224398

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Deposit Date: Nov 16, 2022
• Publicly Available Date: Feb 24, 2023
• Keywords: History
• Public URL: https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/4224398
• Additional Information: Department of History, The University of Hull
• Award Date: Oct 1, 2005