Cargadero de Orconera, Industrial ore dock in El Astillero, Spain.
Cargadero de Orconera is an iron ore loading dock that extends 66.5 meters over water, supported by six cast iron columns spaced eleven meters apart. The structure was designed to transfer minerals directly from trains to waiting ships below.
Cargadero de Orconera was completed in 1893 and designed by Jose MacLennan to enable iron ore exports from the Bay of Santander region. The dock marked the beginning of major mineral exports from this area to other countries.
The structure shows the industrial heritage of northern Spain and documents the region's mining activities and international connections in mineral trade during industrialization.
The dock is best viewed from the waterfront promenade, where the iron structure over the water is clearly visible. The best views come from nearby landing areas or from the water during a boat trip.
The first ship to use this dock was the steamship Alicia, which transported iron ore to Middlesbrough, England in 1894. This event marked the start of international mineral exports from this location.
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