2024 Programme              (Updated 28th April 2024) 

The programme of events for 2024 is shown below.

Please note that all events in the 2024 programme are subject to change.

Saturday 20th April 2024 - Solent Cruise (12:00 - 18:00)

TSS members gathered on Town Quay on 20th April for the first trip of the year - a Solent Cruise on board Solent and Wightline Cruises Solent Cat. After the very changeable spring weather lately, the conditions were very good with bright sunshine but a chilly breeze.

We set off at noon and made our way up to the Western Docks, where the cruise ships Jewel of the Seas and Ventura were berthed at berth 101 and berth 106 respectively.

At the SCT5 container berth the Hapag-Lloyd containership Al Zubara towered over her surroundings. We then passed the outward bound feeder containership Nordic Hamburg a regular caller and on her way to Cork. The rest of the container terminal was empty, so we turned around and followed the Nordic Hamburg out of the Western Docks. At the Eastern Docks the Wallenius vehicle carrier Tijuca was on the Itchen berths. In Empress Dock the research ship James Cook was present. She had recently arrived back from Puntarenas, Costa Rica.

We then proceeded down Southampton Water passing Fawley where the tanker Kivalliq W was in the process of departing. We decided to continue into the Solent and let the outbound tanker catch us up later in the cruise as we were keen to take the North Channel across the Solent in order to intercept the tanker UACC Shamiya which was inward bound for Fawley. Having photographed the UACC Shamiya we waited for the Kivalliq W to catch us up and photographed her as she passed bound for Antwerp.

Next, we photographed four vessels in St. Helen’s anchorage. There were three tankers Paul E, Sigaia Theresa and Cgas Monarch awaiting berths at Fawley. However, the highlight was the Extreme E electric racing support ship St. Helena. She was originally the RMS St. Helena, which maintained a service to Saint Helena island and Ascension Island in the South Atlantic. Onwards now to the Nab Anchorage where the only ship within range was the Lundqvist tanker Lancing. She was awaiting a berth on the Hamble oil jetty.

Having photographed all the ships in the anchorages we started to make our way back to Southampton. Off Cowes we passed the cruise ship Jewel of the Seas which had departed from Southampton for a refit in Brest. At Fawley we were able to get closer this time and photographed the tankers Nippon Princess, Eco Revolution, UACC Shamiya and Brisote.

On arrival back in Southampton Harbour the vehicle carrier Hoegh Asia was at berth 38/39 in the Eastern Docks. P&O’s cruise ship Ventura departed for a cruise with the first stop being Santander. By this time it was almost time for the cruise to end but we just had a few minutes to watch the P&O cruise ship Iona backing out of Ocean Dock, bound for Stavanger.

Our first cruise of the year was over and we found ourselves back at Town Quay. Our thanks go to the captain and crew of the Solent Cat for looking after us so well and also Neil Richardson for navigating our course for the day. Thanks also to the members of the committee for organising the day. I look forward to the next cruise.

Hapag-Lloyd's AL ZUBARA at the container terminal.

NORDIC HAMBURG departing from the container terminal.

Tanker KIVALLIQ W outward bound from Fawley in the Solent.

Tanker PAUL E in St Helen's anchorage.

The St. Helena was also in St Helen's anchorage.

Lundqvist's tanker LANCING in the Nab anchorage.

JEWEL OF THE SEAS outward bound off Cowes.

P&O's VENTURA departing Southampton...

...followed by her fleetmate IONA.

Photos and report by Chris Brooks

Saturday 11th May 2024 - Rotterdam and Europoort Cruise (10:00 - 19:30)

Following our cruise in 2023 on board the Rotterdam based vessel Nehalennia, we will be organising a similar 9.5 hour trip around the Port of Rotterdam and out to Europoort. A buffet lunch will be served during the cruise.

In order to try to cover as many harbours as possible, we have booked the vessel for 9.5 hours and she will depart from the Boompjeskade at 10:00 CEST and return at around 19:30.

Please come and join us for a relaxing day cruising around Europe’s largest port. Bring your partner, as this is a very pleasant way to spend a Saturday on the water looking and photographing some of the largest ships in the world at close quarters.

Depending on the circumstances on the day, this trip will cover the same areas as the previous boat trips, ie - Europoort, Caland Canal, Maasvlakte, Botlek and the upper Rotterdam dock system, subject to timing, weather, tides and the Captain’s instructions.

Nehalennia was built in 1908 and was recently overhauled. She is licensed to carry 170 persons and similar to the Diane, the public area is spread over two decks. The toilets and kitchen are located on the lower deck, however, there is no disabled toilet or access for wheelchair users. The stairs between the decks are reasonably steep but easily negotiable.

On the main deck, there are two inside saloon areas with a catering / drinks service area between. There is a small open area forward, a large open deck to the stern, with side access, although with a handrail rather than plating. The top deck has another bar area, a comfortable saloon, and more open deck space. There is ample seating and tables, but with more than enough open space for photography on the upper deck. The wheelhouse area is located on a higher level, so there are unrestricted 360 degree views for photography from the upper deck.

Date confirmed - bookings being taken.

Photos from our July 2023 Solent Cruise.

MEIN SCHIFF 3 in Portsmouth Harbour.

Bulk carrier KUJAWY outbound in the Solent.

The Hapag-Lloyd container ship TIRUA outbound off Cowes.

Photos by Chris Brooks

We will be organising a Solent Cruise in conjunction with the World Ship Society (WSS).

This trip will have something for everyone with the prospect of seeing almost all types of ships ranging from the largest container vessels, tankers, cruise ships, down to tugs, coasters and ferries. Bring your partner, even if they are not particularly interested in ships, as this is a very pleasant way to spend a Saturday afternoon.

The cruise will depart from Town Quay in Southampton, on board a Solent and Wightline Cruises "Cat" type vessel as used previously. This cruise will last for seven hours and cover Southampton, the Solent including St. Helen's Anchorage and possibly part of the Nab Anchorage(vessel, weather and tides permitting) and possibly Portsmouth Harbour.

The "Cat" vessels have an open deck area as well as a large enclosed saloon with toilets, and are an excellent platform for photography. The bar will be open for the purchase of drinks and light refreshments at cost.

Date confirmed.

August 2024 - River Orwell Sailing Barge Trip (12:30 - 17:00)

We are planning a 4.5 hour trip on a Thames sailing barge embarking at Harwich and covering Ipswich and Felixstowe ports.

More information will be made available when plans have been finalised.

Photos from our September 2023 Solent Cruise.

HMM LE HAVRE dominated the container terminal.

Chemical tanker ST SARA was in St Helen's Anchorage.

VENTURA departing Southampton for Vigo.

Photos by Chris Brooks

We have booked a third Solent Cruise, which will have something for everyone with the prospect of seeing almost all types of ships ranging from the largest container vessels, tankers, cruise ships, down to tugs, coasters and ferries. Bring your partner, even if they are not particularly interested in ships, as this is a very pleasant way to spend a Saturday afternoon.

The cruise will depart from Town Quay in Southampton, on board a Solent and Wightline Cruises "Cat" type vessel as used previously. This cruise will cover Southampton, the Solent including St. Helen's Anchorage and possibly part of the Nab Anchorage(vessel, weather and tides permitting) and possibly Portsmouth Harbour. The trip will last for six hours.

The "Cat" vessels have an open deck area as well as a large enclosed saloon with toilets, and are an excellent platform for photography. The bar will be open for the purchase of drinks and light refreshments at cost.

Date Confirmed.

September 2024 - North West Ship Show

The TSS will have a table at the North West Ship Show.

The show will be held in Liverpool - venue to be advised.

TSS Committee members will be on hand to answer questions, so come along and have a chat with us.

Date to be confirmed, location to be advised.

26th to 30th September - Bremen & Bremerhaven

We have made arrangements for a trip to the River Weser ports of Bremen and Bremerhaven in Germany to view and photograph as much shipping as possible. Both Bremen and Bremerhaven are old Hanseatic Cities similar to Hamburg with a wealth of fine old buildings, cafes and bars.

Bremen is home to Becks Brewery, as well as playing host to a thriving port and is within easy access to the ports of Bremerhaven and Hamburg via road and rail. A wide variety of shipping can be seen across in and around these ports and we will endeavour to view as many as possible during our stay.

As is now the norm with short haul trips, members will be asked to make their own travel and hotel arrangements to and from Bremen. This avoids the huge mark ups charged by booking agents.

It is intended that the three days at Bremen will be used as follows:-

- Weser Boat trip from Bremen to Bremerhaven to view shipping at Bremen, Vegesack, Elsfleth and Brake en route with time ashore at Bremerhaven to view shipping or visit the excellent ship museum, which houses several historic ships both in the halls and afloat.

- Day trip by train to Hamburg to undertake a port cruise, either by using the public cruises, or if we receive interest from around 30 participants, by hiring a private boat.

- Day trip by train to Cuxhaven to view passing shipping on the Elbe, much of which comes through the Kiel Canal.

The exact trip rotation will vary taking into account the weather conditions and boat times. There will also be plenty of time to enjoy Bremen with its medieval centre. There will also be an opportunity to undertake other day trips, such as an upriver cruise from Bremen for those who do not wish to join all of the organised days. Participants will be advised of the day trip details before the trip and where and when to meet up.

Date confirmed, details to be advised.

16th November 2024 - Ocean Liner Society Ship Show

The TSS will have a table at the Ocean Liner Society Ship Show.

The show will take place in Alton Community Centre, Alton, Hampshire.

TSS Committee members will be on hand to answer questions, so come along and have a chat with us.

Further details to be advised when available.