In the past, big outside shipping firms, including the Reardon-Smith Line, have registered large vessels at Bideford which have never had a hope of coming up the Torridge.

Lloyds Register of Shipping for 1958 features the 40,900 ton tanker ‘Bideford’ built by Kockums MV at Malmo for the Bideford Tanker Co. Ltd and registered in London.
Messrs Fred Dessen and Co. Ltd, of London, who manage the Bideford Company are also managers of the Blandford Shipping Co. Ltd, owners of the Blandford and Bedford. The principals thought it fitting to name their company and first vessel after a port which has such well known traditions at sea.

Gazette article 1959