Slight correction if I may, the "crane berth" as it was known was at Eastham rather than E/Port. The berth is still there but not the crane, there is no requirement nowadays for that service.

Thanks for the reply.Assume funnels were stored at Ellesmere and refitted on the outward voyage,interesting.
Will try and find a relevant pic .

Libertyshiplad, they used to remove funnels on the larger ships so they could pass under bridges on the ship canal. There was a crane at Ellesmere port for taking funnels off.

Lorna.

Where's the funnel ?