Godavari Delta

The Godavari delta's seaward channels supported ports as well as cultivation. Coringa, on a branch of the river, became a notable shipbuilding and repair centre. When the Madras government astronomer Topping visited in 1789, he found English, French, Dutch and Portuguese ships anchored offshore. He also complained of violence among people landing from the vessels and requested a military guard.

In 1802 Ebenezer Roebuck, a resident merchant, built a dock near old Coringa. It measured 155 feet in length and could receive Royal Navy ships drawing up to fourteen feet; HMS Albatross was among the vessels repaired there. The delta coast thus offered practical services to ocean-going shipping alongside places of exchange. Its maritime economy depended upon usable river approaches, anchorage and specialised facilities connecting local work with distant vessels.