Eppleton Hall (1914)

The Eppleton Hall is a rare survivor of a bygone maritime era. Built in 1914 in South Shields, England, this paddlewheel tugboat was designed to maneuver heavy coal-carrying ships through the tight, busy channels of the River Tyne. It represents the last intact example of a Tyne paddle tug in the world. Its propulsion system relies on two independent steam engines, often called grasshopper engines, which allow the vessel to turn completely around within its own length. This exceptional maneuverability made it a reliable workhorse for decades of industrial shipping.