I Saw Three Ships

Probably as close as I’ll get to an Xmas Blip...The cruise ship Ambition moored at Tilbury’s “London International Cruise Terminal” with Fortuna I alongside, I assume refuelling Ambition. The back end of a chemical tanker, Frank, passing on its way to Rotterdam.

It’s not unusual to see cruisers on the River Thames: most will only come as far as Tilbury but some head up to Greenwhich and the posher bits of the river.

Extras are, firstly, EMS Highway, a ‘junior’ sized car carrier moored at Tilbury 2, an extension of the main Tilbury Docks just up-river, with the Kotug tug VB Peter passing.

Second, a larger car carrier, the enigmatically named Dong-A Glaucos, being shifted by two Svitzer tugs. Obviously, ships sail up the river pointing in the right direction, but have to turn in order to leave. Glaucos would be unable to turn itself hence the assistance of the tugs. It’s quite something to watch: a huge amount of pulling power and surprisingly little noise. Taken July 20, 2017. Nikon D7000, same old Tamron zoom lens.