This double ended steamer was built as a larger version of PS Suffolk for the GER. Essex was used for services between Ipswich, where she is shown here, and Harwich.
She continued in service for the GER until she was sold in 1913 and almost immediately resold to Mr. Henry Cooney. Mr. Cooney ran various boats as ferries between Southend and Sheerness, and it was on this service he employed PS Essex.
When the First World War started, she was laid up off Westcliff-on-Sea until 1916, when she was sold for use on the Humber, where she had been built.
In 1918, Essex was sold for use in the Mediterranean and changed her name to Acropolis. She disappeared from the shipping register in 1925.