Derelict: The World’s Largest Ice Factory That Served the World’s Busiest Port

The Purpose

The large town and seaport named Grimsby had nothing to worry about when it came to ice, for this town was home to The Grimsby Ice Factory. It was built during 1898 and 1901, with the sole purpose of providing the port of Grimsby with ice to help preserve the fresh fish.

Factory exterior. Photo Credit

The factory was good at what it did, and as a matter of fact, it was so good that it managed to produce around 1,200 tonnes of ice on a daily basis. With its 4,350 square meters in size, it was easily considered the largest ice factory in the world.

Grimsby Ice Factory in 2013. Photo Credit

The Process

The process of producing such extensive amounts of ice was possible thanks to the four Pontifex ammonia compressors that were powered by steam that came from the Lancashire boilers. The ice production in Grimsby Ice Factory increased in 1933, following the replacement of the old power steam source with the benefits of the 20^th century – the electrical generator.

A close-up view of a compressor. Photo Credit

Later, the old Linde ammonia compressors were replaced with four new electrical J & E Hall four-cylinder vertical-valve ammonia compressors. This same piece of equipment remains today in this now abandoned factory and is completely exposed to the natural elements that pose a threat to the preservation of the only surviving example of this machinery.

Compressors at the factory in 1990. Photo Credit

Grimsby Ice Factory used a system of metal cans that were filled with water. Next, they were lowered into a tank that was filled with a calcium chloride brine solution; then, this chloride brine solution was cooled using coils filled with liquid ammonia refrigerant found within the tanks.

Slabs of manufactured ice. Photo Credit

Once the ice was formed inside the cans, they were placed in the thawing tank. This allowed for the ice to separate from the can and float to the top. The next step in this whole process was to crush the ice and finally to deliver it to trawlers at Grimsby’s seaport.

The deteriorating factory. Photo Credit The rear side of the former Ice Factory. Photo Credit

Grimsby Ice Factory Today

Grimsby’s fishing heritage owes a great debt to the Grimsby Ice Factory. The building itself is a Grade 2 listed building and it is owned by Associated British Ports. The machinery used here is among the largest in the world as told by history, indeed making this the busiest fishing port in the world.

The rear of the former Ice Factory. Photo Credit The facade off the Grimsby Ice Factory. Photo Credit

Today, the building is deteriorating and there is the possibility that structure might completely crumble. Ashamed of this abandoned building, Grimsby’s residents suggested it be covered to hide it from view during the World Seafood Congress, fearing that the abandoned building might defame the town’s image.