Esso Lexington - (1958-1973)

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"Esso Lexington" was built in 1958. Renamed "Exxon Lexington in 1973.

Sold as "Lexington" in 1989. Out of service 1999 and laid up.

Sold in 2005 for breaking up.

"Esso Lexington"

Humble Oil & Refining Co.

The Humble Oil & Refining Co. is the American domestic subsidiary of the Standard Oil Co., New Jersey. At mid-1964 the

Humble Oil fleet consisted of some 19 vessels flying the American flag and engaged in the domestic business of transporting

oil to the markets increasingly supplied by a mammoth maze of oil pipelines crossing the United States. Of these tankers a

dozen consisted of vessels of around 27.000 tons deadweight, all built in United States shipyards between 1949 and 1954.

An example of this tonnage “Esso Chester” of 17,061 gross tons, built by Newport News shipyard in 1952. With a length of 628

feet and a breadth of 83 feet, the vessel is propelled by steam turbines. In 1957 the first three of four similar hut larger vessels

of 38 000 tons d.w.t. were delivered. These were named “Esso Gettysburg”, “Esso Jamestown” and “Esso Washington”. The

fourth, delivered the following year, was the “Esso Lexington”, on dimensions of 715 feet by 93 feet this ship also is turbine

driven, and is 24,539 gross tons. The builders of “Esso Chester” delivered all four vessels. The need for larger ships produced,

in 1960 two further ships in the supertanker class, each being of nearly 49,000 tons d.w.t. These, the “Esso Boston” and “Esso

Baltimore” became the largest in the fleet, which itself became the largest privately owned group of tankers in America. Once more

Newport News was the shipbuilders, and this time the increased size gave dimensions of 740 feet by 102 feet and a gross of 30,680

tons. Early in 1964 the first keel was laid of two 66,700 d.w.t. ton tankers, vessels that, at a cost of 12 million dollars each, show

marked advances in design. One is a total of only 19 oil tanks, resulting in a reduced quantity of oil lines, equipment and bulkheads.

Another is that pump rooms are entirely eliminated, deep well pumps being fitted instead. Only one boiler is installed - a radical

deviation from standard American ship design - and geared turbine propelling machinery develops 19,000 s.h.p. Customary to current

style these vessels, named “Esso Houston” and “Esso New Orleans” are of all-aft design, have a cargo capacity of about 576,000

barrels, are 763 feet long, 116 feet in breadth and have a draught of 40 feet, These two ships were the 81st and 82nd tankers built by

Newport News since they constructed their first in 1906, and “Esso Houston” was the largest ever launched on sliding ways at the

shipyard.

Early in 1965 “Esso Chester” was converted into an asphalt carrier and will serve this trade for some 10 months each year, but

during mid-December to mid-February when demand is light she will revert to the transport of crude oil.

The Miramar Ship Index for "ESSO LEXINGTON"

Tons:	24539	Link:	-
DWT:	38101	Yard No:	528
Length overall:	217.9	Ship Design:
LPP:	208.8	Country of build:	USA
Beam:	28.4	Builder:	Newport News SB
Material of build:		Location of yard:	Newport News
Number of screws/Mchy/Speed(kn):	1ST-16

Subsequent History:

1973 EXXON LEXINGTON - 1989 LEXINGTON

Disposal Data:

1984 Out of service and laid up

1989 (Govt. - USA) - Reserve Fleet.

11-14-2005 Sold to Southern Scrap Material Company, NOLA

7-13-2008 Dismantlement

History :