Field Work in the Eastern Region (Nigeria): Calabar-Oron Ferry Crossing: Cross River, Calabar Side

Dr. Lorenzo Dow Turner took these photographs as he crossed from Calabar, Cross River State to Oron, today in Akwa Ibom State in Nigeria in 1951. Calabar was a major shipping port beginning in the 16th century. At first, it exported primarily palm oil, but by the 18th century, its primary export was people to go into enslavement. Its name in Efik, a local language, is Akwa Akpa and the Portuguese named it Calabar. Oron is a coastal city in the Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. It is located in a highly fertile region. It produces palm oil and extracts timber and iron, glass sand, and gravel. The area is also rich in oil reserves. Elder Dempster Lines, Ltd, a British company, opened its Calabar office in 1906. In 1951, when Dr. Turner used its services, it had two ferries, the MV Eket and MV Oron, providing prompt and regular water transportation service between Calabar and Oron both for passengers and cargo, including vehicles. This water line was the only reliable means of transportation connecting Calabar and the mainland. Elder Dempster ceased its operations in 1978. This transportation line existed under other management until the late 1980s, when it was abandoned.