Evidence of a slipway can be seen on the first edition Ordnance Survey maps at Stella. A long and narrow indentation including 1 or 2 ancillary buildings may indicate the disused slipway of Tate, who operated out of Stella in 1826. Unfortunately limited records survive, but Tynebuiltships record one paddle steamer Tug built by Tate in this year.

The slip appears to have been filled in by the 1890s, though satellite imagery indicates there may be part of the structure on the river bank.