To unload the ship, the onboard railcars were positioned under doors in each cargo hold which, filled the cars with the coal.

It was first used as a port in prehistoric times when a sandstone ledge was used to unload the ships of overseas traders.

The port's facilities were all in working order and were soon unloading the ships.

Unloading the ships proved to be a logistical problem because the narrow river neck was shallow and muddy.

Its reputation was earned by having about 16 public houses, to cater for the stevedores who were employed to load and unload the ships at the quayside.