3-008-359 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Floating pontoons or dock prepared by Messrs. Rennie and Son for the government of Spain, 1862. 'Now that Spain is endeavouring to regain her position amongst the chief nations of Europe, and is reconstructing and increasing her navy, it is found that the docks which were hitherto of ample capacity for vessels formerly built are totally inadequate for the accommodation of the enormous line-of-battle ships and iron-cased frigates of which the navies of Europe are now composed. It has therefore been determined, without delay, to provide dry-dock conveniences of sufficient dimensions for the largest vessels in contemplation, and a floating dock having been considered most advisable to he adopted in the arsenals of Carthagena and Ferrol, the plans of Messrs. George Rennie and Sons have been decided on as most suitable for the purpose, and the firm has been instructed to provide the two above-named arsenals with floating docks, to be constructed according to the principle and patent recently taken out by them. These peculiar docks are being completed at the works of the firm, Holland-street, Blackfriars-road, previously to their being shipped for their destination'. From "Illustrated London News", 1862.