coaling station

a place at which coal is supplied to ships, locomotives, etc.

Origin of coaling station

First recorded in 1865–70

The United States did not want the islands for the sake of ruling them, but they wanted a coaling-station at Tutuila.

Through the South Seas with Jack London |Martin Johnson
The officials thought the United States was looking for a coaling-station.

Tales of Fishes |Zane Grey
Mohacz is celebrated for two tremendous battles in the past, and for a fine cathedral, a railway and a coaling-station at present.

Lippincott's Magazine, December 1878 |Various
It was ceded to the English by the sultan, and is principally valuable as a coaling-station, though it has a considerable trade.

Four Young Explorers |Oliver Optic

A few miles out there is a coaling-station, and at that time they were building the chutes.

Stories of the Railroad |John A. Hill