PETREL is a narrow boat of iron plate construction with a Lister HR2 diesel engine. She was built in 1914 by Fellows Morton & Clayton at Saltley Dock, Birmingham. She remained in the FMC fleet nationalisation, then transferred to D&IWE south eastern fleet. Her Bolinder engine was removed and an Armstrong Merganser fitted by them in the 1950s.
PETREL was hired in the 1960s from British Waterways by Willow Wren but never actually used by them for carrying. She was reposessed by British Waterways and sold to Union Canal Carriers and re engined by them in the 1970s. Bought by her present owners in 1981 from UCC, she is maintained in carrying condition.