Collier

A collier is a person or a ship engaged in the transportation of coal. Historically, this term was primarily used to describe those involved in the mining and trade of coal, including miners, ship captains, and crew. In contemporary usage, the term can refer more specifically to a ship built for carrying coal or coke. The industry has decreased with the transition away from coal but is still used in specialized niches across the world today. The term evokes a historical connection to the industrial revolution and the era of steam power. It reflects the labour involved and signifies the movement of raw materials.

Collier meaning with examples

• The collier, battered by the North Sea storms, struggled to stay afloat, carrying its precious cargo of coal. The captain, a seasoned veteran, expertly navigated the treacherous waters. He had been a collier since his youth. The crew worked tirelessly to keep the ship functioning, braving the freezing winds. Their livelihoods depended on the successful delivery of coal to port.
• During the peak of industrialization, colliers were a common sight in the English Channel, transporting coal to factories. The ship was a collier, its hold filled with fuel for the nation's machines. The smoke from the collier's stacks marked its presence in the otherwise empty blue sea. This particular collier was responsible for supplying several textile mills.
• The abandoned collier, its rusted hull a testament to a bygone era, lay stranded on the beach. The waves crashed against the old collier. It served as a stark reminder of the industry's decline and the economic shifts that shaped modern society. The locals now use the old collier for taking photos and using the area for events.
• In historical records, the term 'collier' appears frequently in shipping manifests and trade documents. The collier was integral to the economic activity of coastal communities. They moved fuel from the mines to where it was needed. Many families built their income from the collies working in the harbor.