Three similar stamps were issued by Libya to commemorate the inauguration of the first oil pipeline on October 25, 1961, when King Idris officially opened a valve to start the flow of oil to the tanker Esso Canterbury. The pipeline from Zelten to Marsa el Brega was completed and tested on August 6, 1961. Oil began to flow through the line on August 8, and arrived at Marsa el Brega on the morning of August 17. With a temporary underwater pipeline leading to a temporary mooring berth, the 26,000 ton Esso Canterbury, lying off-shore could be loaded while remaining work ashore was continued. She sailed with the first cargo of Libyan oil on September 12 and arrived at the Esso refinery at Fawley eight days later.From these facts it can be seen that the artist's impression on the stamp is a completely inaccurate picture. The stamp suggests that the tanker is lying alongside a jetty whilst the tanker herself is totally different. Be that as it may it is unquestionable that the Esso Canterbury loading the first oil consignment is what the stamp is all about.
The Esso Canterbury was built by Vickers-Armstrongs, Barrow, in 1954 for the Esso Petroleum Co. Ltd., London. The tanker has a deadweight tonnage of 26,692; gross tonnage being 17,515 tons; overall dimensions are 629 ft. 8in. x 82 ft. 10 in. x 32 ft. 5 in. draft. Three steam turbines give the vessel a speed of 17 knots. SG264