The Iron Ships A Maritime History Of BHP 1885-1992

Transport & Engineering History Australiana

Denis M Riley’s The Iron Ships charts the rise of BHP’s steel and ore fleet from 1885 to 1992, turning a century of heavy industry into a vivid maritime story for collectors of Australian business history. This 1992 first-edition hardcover arrives with its illustrated dust jacket intact, the pages crisp and unmarked, binding square and strong after three decades.

Generously illustrated with archival photos and line drawings, the book follows ore carriers, tankers and bulkers from Port Pirie to Whyalla and beyond, showing how BHP’s ships shaped Australia’s export economy. Riley’s narrative balances technical detail with human stories, making it engaging for maritime enthusiasts, engineering buffs and anyone curious about steel on the water.

The dust jacket shows only light shelf rub and a hint of spine fade; beneath it, the navy boards are unworn and the contents remain free of notes, tears or ex-library stamps. A clean, smoke-free copy ready for display or reference.