Pre-2007 Reviews 

2006 Review

28th January - Winter Social

Our Winter Social, the first TSS event of the new year, took place at the Churchill Hotel, on the seafront at Dover. 41 members enjoyed a very pleasant three course meal.

The meal was followed by a very entertaining and informative slide show given by Mike Jackson entitled "My Voyages on Bulk Carriers". This covered Mike's voyages on several bulk carriers during the 1970s and 1980s. Some wonderful slides of many ships long departed from today's shipping scene were shown.

Many members stayed in the hotel on Saturday night and partook in a organised visit to Dover Coastguard Station on Sunday morning.

After breakfast a convoy of 21 members plus 2 local guests of the organiser made the short journey to the Maritime and Coastguard Agency building at Langdon Battery on the cliffs at Dover. We were treated to a two hour presentation of how the organisation
is run, explaining their responsibilites in the both keeping an eye on the traffic separation zones in  the Dover Straits (where there can be around 600 vessel movements in any one day) and the surrounding areas, plus the duties involved as the coastguard.

We even received a surprise close by fly-past by one of the search and rescue planes 'Echo November'.

A thoroughly enjoyable two hours and thanks goes to Ted Ingham and Gordon Wise of the MCA, both shipping enthusiasts, for taking the time to show us around. It was most refreshing to be 
welcomed somewhere as a 'ship spotter'. 

Thanks also to TSS members Mike Jackson and Andrew Humphreys for organising the visit and also for putting together the slide show on Saturday afternoon. 

Final thanks go to Paul Mason for organising an excellent weekend.

Dover - bathed in winter sunshine during our Winter Social!

TSS members being shown around the MCA building at Dover.

The veteran steam turbine cruise vessel OCEANIC at Barcelona on 20th March.

Pullmantur's BLUE DREAM departing from Barcelona with MSC's MELODY in the background.

Bulk carrier ELECTRA I catches the evening sunlight during one of our harbour trips.

Gaudi's Parc Guell during our city tour.

Gaudi's unfinished cathederal Sagrada Familia

Reefer COOL EXPRESS in Barcelona Docks.

GRAND MISTRAL was inactive in the port for our entire stay.

ROSE BROOK was in the port on our last day in Barcelona.

The modern AIDACARA at the cruise terminal on the 23rd March.

Photographs by Chris Brooks

20th March to 23rd March - Barcelona

Early on Monday morning, 20th March, 19 members of the TSS assembled at London Gatwick airport for a three night trip to Barcelona taking in some sunshine, shipping and Gaudi!

Having left a cold grey London it was pleasant to arrive in Barcelona on a warmer, bright day. After a painless check-in at the three star Montblanc Hotel close to the city's main tourist area, La Rambla, members of the group eagerly made the short walk down to the harbour and were surprised to see that there were five cruise ships in the port.

Unfortunately a number of the harbour cruises run by the Las Golondrinas were pre-booked by various school parties, which meant that TSS members had to wait until the late afternoon harbour cruise, or take the longer "coast cruise" which toured part of the dock complex on it's way back from the coast in order to view the shipping at close quarters.

Some excellent photographs of the various cruise ships were obtained during the harbour trips - with the highlight of the cruise ships being the veteran steam-turbine Oceanic dating from 1965, as well as the New Flamenco, Grand Mistral, Blue Dream and MSC's Melody.

Tuesday morning was taken up by a city tour organised by our travel company. This tour was very interesting and took in Gaudi's eccentric Parc Guell, the famous cathederal of La Sagrada Familia, which is still being constructed, as well as a walking tour of the old city and the La Rambla thoroughfare.

On Tuesday afternoon  a number of members took another harbour cruise. Only the Grand Mistral was left from from the previous day's cruise ships, but other bulk carriers, container ships, ro-ro's and ferries were noted and photographed, including the departure of the container carrier Melfi Italia II assisted by a local tug.

Wednesday was another free day, some members explored the city of Barcelona, some visited the excellent Maritime Museum, whilst others made their way down to the harbour to see what shipping had turned up overnight. A number of TSS members took another harbour cruise in the afternoon.

We were booked on a late afternoon flight on Thursday, which meant leaving the hotel at 14:30 for the airport. Luckily a coastal cruise was due to leave the harbour at 11:30 and return by 13:00, so this gave a number of members one last chance to photograph the new ships in the port. Two cruise ships had arrived early in the morning, these being the Coral and AIDACara and these were duly photographed during the cruise as were some new merchant shipping arrivals.

After an uneventful flight back from Barcelona we arrived at Gatwick airport on Thursday evening after a thoroughly pleasant few days. 

Our thanks go to Ian Cochran and everyone else who contributed to the organisation of a very pleasant trip.

22nd April - AGM at Southampton

On a beautifully sunny Saturday afternoon, 48 TSS members attended the AGM on-board Blue Funnel's Ocean Scene at Southampton. 

An excellent three course lunch was first served followed by the AGM. After the AGM business was completed, we had a 3 hour cruise of Southampton Docks and Southampton Water as far as Fawley Oil Terminal.

As the cruise season has just started in earnest in Southampton, we were fortunate to be able to view the cruise ships Black Watch at the City Cruise Terminal and P&O's Arcadia at the Mayflower Cruise Terminal, in perfect photographic conditions.

The container terminal was also busy with three large container ships present, the Shanghai Express, CMA CGM Verlaine and NYK Castor. 

After viewing the Western Docks, we proceeded down Southampton Water to photograph the tankers on Fawley Oil Terminal, passing the inbound Grimaldi vehicle carrier Grande Mediterraneo, arriving from Antwerp, on the way.

Fawley was quite busy with four tankers present, including the large Stellar Voyager. The new Solent Towage tug Tenax was also present at Fawley and viewed at close quarters.

We then slowly cruised back to Southampton, with just some time to see the departure of the Black Watch, before the cruise ended in Ocean Village.

With thanks to Simon Martin for organising the day and the crew of the Ocean Scene for another successful day in Southampton.

P&O's ARCADIA was at Mayflower Cruise Terminal....

.... and the BLACK WATCH was at the City Cruise Terminal.

SHANGHAI EXPRESS was one of three large container ships present.

GRANDE MEDITERRANEO inward bound in Southampton Water.

STELLAR VOYAGER at Fawley.

Photographs by Chris Brooks

ADSTEAM ANGLIA performed a little dance for us even before we had set off on our cruise.

AMNA S was out in the anchorage awaiting a berth...

...as was the BRITISH EXPERIENCE.

The new Medway tug ADSTEAM HARTY passes us to meet....

... the HYUNDAI SHANGHAI which was bound for Thamesport ...

... which passed the EVER DIVINE outward bound from Thamesport.

Photographs by Chris Brooks

Unfortunately, Saturday 6th May turned out to be a cloudy day with weather forecasts predicting rain in the afternoon. Nevertheless, TSS members from all over the country converged at Gravesend in good spirits for the first Thames and Medway cruise for 2006 on board the Princess Pocahontas.

Before the cruise had left the landing stage, one of the Adsteam tugs, Adsteam Anglia, gave us a demonstration of her manoeuverability at close quarters as she was escorting the large outward bound container ship Monte Pascoal.

After casting off we proceeded downstream, bound for the anchorages off Southend. One the way we passed the oil jetties at Coryton which were quite quiet with only a couple of small tankers present.

By the time we reached the anchorages, it had started to rain slightly, but we still got some good pictures of the ro-ro Eva Oden, the BP tanker British Experience and the old bulk carrier Amna S, all waiting for berths in the Thames. Luckily the rain did not persist for very long.

We then turned out attention to the Medway, with reports that two large container ships would be moving in the next hour or so. We were not disappointed, as we arrived in the Medway to witness the Ever Divine departing from Thamesport, assisted by the new Medway tug Adsteam Harty. Having pulled the Ever Divine from her berth the new tug then sped past us to meet the inward bound container ship Hyundai Shanghai. The Hyundai Shanghai was on her maiden voyage from the Far East, having been delivered from her builders in Ulsan, South Korea earlier this year.

We made our way back up the Thames, passing the outward bound EK-Sky on the way. Unfortunately, the container terminal and grain terminal at Tilbury were both devoid of shipping. We continued upriver as far as Dartford before turning around and returning to Gravesend, where the cruise ended.

With thanks to the organisers and the crew of the Princess Pocahontas for another enjoyable day out.

20th to 27th May - Continental Tour

On Saturday 20th May, fourteen participants of the Continental Tour arrived in Harwich to take the Stena Discovery HSS ferry over to the Hook of Holland. Despite some windy conditions on the previous day, we had an uneventful, comfortable crossing. On arrival at the Hook of Holland, we transferred to the Delta Hotel by coach where the remainder of the twenty-three participants joined us after making their own way to Rotterdam.

Having settled into the hotel, the ship photography started with several vessels being photographed underway passing the hotel, the highlight of which was the outbound container ship Kota Pelangi. 

On Sunday morning we awoke to heavy rain which was less than ideal conditions for our private Rotterdam and Europoort port cruise on our old friend the Diane. However, shortly after we departed from the landing stage for Europoort the rain stopped and we even had some periods of sunshine! At Europoort, the highlight of the shipping present was the Chinese semi-submersible heavy lift ship Kang Sheng Kou which had arrived with a deck cargo consisting of the SSP Piranema platform, from China for the Keppel Verolme yard. Many ships of all shapes and sizes were photographed during the full day's cruise.

Monday morning saw us departing from the Delta Hotel for the second part of our week long stay, based at the Arion Hotel on the seafront at Vlissingen. After a quick visit to "the hill" at the Hook of Holland to witness any new shipping that had arrived in Europoort overnight, we proceeded to Vlissingen. The Arion Hotel at Vlissingen overlooks one of the channels used by shipping using the ports of  Antwerp, Gent, Terneuzen and Flushing on the River Schelde. You can even photograph the passing shipping from your hotel balcony.

On Tuesday morning we travelled by coach to Terneuzen, which is one of the best places on the Schelde to photograph shipping underway. It is also the point at which the Gent Canal joins the River Schelde, via the Terneuzen Locks. Several ships were photographed underway passing Terneuzen as well as the Chinese An Bao Jiang and the large bulk carrier Medi Taipei arriving at Terneuzen Locks. 

Wednesday saw us travel by coach to Antwerp for our five hour private cruise of the enclosed docks at Antwerp. After a short visit to the Antwerp locks in our coach where we photographed two ships arriving, we boarded our vessel for the day, the Kempenland. Antwerp, as always produced some interesting vessels, including a variety of reefers, bulk carriers and general cargo ships. We were lucky to witness a number of movements of vessels as well, including the tanker Sealing and the bulk carriers Clipper Morning and Amna S (previously seen on the Thames & Medway trip a few weeks ago).

A visit by coach to the port of Gent was arranged for Thursday, with our local member Andre kindly arranging for permission for our coach to visit all the quays in the port. Several vessels were photographed in changeable weather conditions, the highlight of the tour being the Russian general cargo ship Fedor Varaksin which made a great photograph. After our tour of Gent we returned to Terneuzen and photographed some more passing shipping, before returning to our hotel in Vlissingen.

On Friday, the weather was not too good with heavy rain. In spite of the rain we spent the morning in Terneuzen (with many coffees in the Westkant restaurant overlooking the River!). During the afternoon we drove to Antwerp and boarded the public two and a half hour cruise around the docks to see what had changed since Wednesday. Despite intermittent rain we managed to photograph a number of new arrivals in the port including two large bulk carriers, Cape Cathay and Kohyohsan, the Chinese Tong Ji Men and the bulk sugar carrier CHL Progressor.

All too quickly, our week came to an end, and on Saturday morning. we said goodbye to our friends who were making their own way back to the UK via Eurostar. Our coach took us back to the Hook of Holland via "the hill" to witness any new shipping at Europoort. Several large tankers and a nice little general cargo ship, Oluk were photographed. Our coach then took us to the Stena Line terminal at the Hook of Holland where we boarded the Stena Discovery for the journey back to Harwich. 

On arrival at Harwich we were lucky enough to be able to photograph two departing cruise ships, the Athena and Discovery as we made our way into the port.

Alas, it was time to say goodbye to our friends and the end of the Continental Tour for another year. A thoroughly enjoyable experience, despite the changeable weather conditions. A count indicates that about 480 different ships were seen during the week.

With thanks to Paul Mason and Ray Smith for organising what was another very enjoyable week. 

KOTA PELANGI passing our hotel in Rotterdam.

MILTIADIS M departing from the Caland Canal during our Rotterdam port cruise.

SWIFT FLIGHT berthed in Waalhaven, Rotterdam during our port cruise.

Chinese semi-Submersible heavy lift ship KANG SHENG KOU moored in Europoort with the SSP PIRANEMA on board.

AN BAO JIANG arrived in the Gent Canal during our visit to Terneuzen.

Tug 80 gave us a demonstration of her manoeuvrability during the Antwerp port cruise.  

ATLANTIC HOLLYHOCK was in Antwerp during our port cruise.

AMNA S arrived in Antwerp during our port cruise.

FEDOR VARAKSIN was at Gent during our port visit.

SOUTHERN JUICE passing Terneuzen during one of our visits.

MERCHANT catches the evening sunlight as she passes the hotel at Vlissingen.

Photographs by Chris Brooks

THE CALYPSO at 102 berth Western Docks, under repair.

CEC MISTRAL loading yachts in Western Docks, Southampton.

MOL PERFORMANCE was at the container terminal.

KINGSTON LACY outward bound in Southampton Water.

ROBERT MAERSK at Fawley.

MISTRAL inbound in the Solent for Fawley.

D89 EXETER was at Portsmouth Naval Base.

Not just shipping! The Coastguard helicopter off Hythe.

OCEANA departing Southampton at the end of our cruise.

Photographs by Chris Brooks

8th July - Solent Cruise

Sixty members, a "full compliment", enjoyed the popular Solent Cruise on the 8th July. On a bright and sunny, if a little breezy Saturday we departed Ocean Village on Blue Funnel's Ashleigh R for our six hour private cruise.

After casting off at 11:30am we first explored the River Itchen, which does not see much commercial traffic these days, but there are many tugs and smaller vessels moored and laid up.

Once we had covered the Itchen we made our way around Dockhead and were pleasantly surprised by the number of vessels berthed in Southampton Docks. Four cruise ships, Oceana, Legend of the Seas, Aurora and The Calypso (under repair after her engine room fire in the Channel) were keeping the cruise terminals busy.

As well as the cruise ships there was plenty of commercial shipping in the form of vehicle carriers Alioth Leader, Asian Dynasty, Grande Scandinavia, L'Audace and Autoline. General cargo ships were represented by Mike, CEC Mistral (loading yachts for Palma) and Fjord Pearl (which had arrived with marble chips from Marina Di Carrara). Finally the container terminal had one large ship present - the MOL Performance.

On completing the tour of the docks we made our way down Southampton Water for Fawley, overtaking the nice old tug Kingston Lacy towing a barge and some workboats.

At Fawley there were four tankers present including the Ligovsky Prospect and the Robert Maersk.

At this point we headed for Portsmouth Harbour via the North Channel, so, as there was a lull in shipping activity, lunch was served. We passed the gas carrier Mistral, heading for Fawley, in the North Channel in excellent photographic conditions - unfortunately some of our members missed this due to being too interested in their lunch!

Portsmouth Harbour was busy with ferries as usual. We witnessed the arrival of the fast ferry Normandie Express as well as the departure of the conventional ferry Mont St. Michel. The Naval Base at Portsmouth was a little quiet, but the relatively new carrier Ocean was a new sighting for many of our members. We also headed up Fareham Creek as far as the laid up warships there.

Once we have finished our cruise of Portsmouth Harbour we retraced our steps back via the Solent and Southampton Water hoping to see the departure of some of the cruise ships which were due to leave at 5pm. We waited off Hythe for the departure of the cruise ships as the Solent Coastguard Helicopter put on a bit of a display for us (actually they were "on a job" looking for something near Hythe - I think).

Unfortunately the Legend of the Seas departure had been delayed, but we managed to get some good photographs of the Oceana departing from berth 38/39 and the Aurora was making our way out of the harbour as we headed back for Ocean Village at 5:30pm.

Yet again a very enjoyable cruise, with thanks going to the crew of the Ashleigh R for looking after us, as well as the organisers of the trip.

10th August - Thames and Medway Cruise

Over 60 TSS members gathered on a grey and blustery morning at Gravesend for the second Thames and Medway Cruise of the year.

On departure from Gravesend and after a quick call at Tilbury Landing Stage, where Fred Olsen's Black Prince and the vehicle carrier Morning Power, were moored, we made our way up the Thames as far as Dartford. On the way we passed the container carriers Sydney Express and HMS Rotterdam at Tilbury Container Terminal. Several tankers were also noted, including Kihuland, Ellen Knutsen and Prince Henri. Just before we turned downstream we photographed the soon to be replaced ro-ro Maersk Voyager which is on Cobelfret's Purfleet to Rotterdam service.

Just off Tilbury, on our way down the Thames we encountered several ships arriving, which we passed at close quarters. By now, the sun was even shining a little so many photographs were taken during this busy period. The RMS Rahm was closely followed by the Aasnes, which in turn was closely followed by the general cargo ship Go Pride, complete with a deck cargo of wood, bound for Tilbury Docks. The local tugs were busy connecting up to the Go Pride so our tug enthusiasts were well rewarded with some close-up photographs.

Shortly afterwards we also passed the inward bound dredger City of London and the container carrier Cap Vincent.  It was now time for our lunch before the next ships appeared before us.

At Coryton Number 3 Jetty, the tanker Emerald Star was being berthed by two of the new tugs Corringham and Castle Point, and the large tanker Delta Pioneer was also present. Our captain even took us around the back of the jetty in order to photograph the third of the three new tugs - Stanford.

In the anchorage, only the small tanker Clipper Bordeaux was present, so, after photographing her we made our way to the Medway.

Unfortunately the container terminal at Thamesport on the Medway was devoid of shipping, but Sheerness was quite busy, with the classic reefer Snow Crystal, the reefer Jorgen Lauritzen, and vehicle carrier Autoprestige making excellent photographs in a brief period of sunshine

After leaving the Medway we made our way back up the Thames passing several outbound ships including the container carrier Sydney Express, the tanker Kihuland, Union Sun, and SC Baltic.

Our cruise finished at Gravesend just as the Black Prince was departing from Tilbury and the large bulk carrier Heinrich Oldendorff was preparing to sail from Tilbury Power Station, with tugs in attendance.

Although the weather was changeable with periods of sunshine, showers and a brisk wind, the cruise was very enjoyable with many ships photographed underway at close quarters.

With thanks to Mick Axford for organizing the day as well as the crew of the Princess Pocahontas for their usual hospitality.

The vehicle carrier MORNING POWER was at Tilbury Landing Stage...

...as was the BLACK PRINCE.

GO PRIDE arriving for Tilbury assisted by ADSTEAM ANGLIA.

EMERALD STAR at Coryton.

ADSTEAM VICTORY inward bound in the Thames.

The classic reefer SNOW CRYSTAL at Sheerness.

SYDNEY EXPRESS departing from the Thames.

KIHULAND passed us outward bound at the end of our cruise.

Photographs by Chris Brooks

Our vessel for the day - Blue Funnel's ASHLEIGH R

9th September 2006 - Solent Cruise

A re-run of the ever popular Solent Cruise on board Blue Funnel's Ashleigh-R.

The cruise will start at Ocean Village, Southampton at noon and cover Southampton Docks, Fawley, Hamble, the Solent and Portsmouth Harbour.

The cruise vessels Golden Princess, Legend of the Seas and Oriana are expected in Southampton on this day. We will hopefully witness the sailings of these ships before the cruise ends at 18:00.

Lunch will be provided.

Unfortunately this cruise is cancelled due to insufficient bookings received.

11th to 22nd September - Black Sea Cruise

11^th September – An early morning start due to the current extra security measures at Heathrow but all our 22 participants managed to board our BA Boeing 757 on time for our 0750 flight to Milan Malpensa airport. On arrival we were faced with a coach journey through the Italian countryside to Genoa which lasted just over two hours. On arrival in Genoa we boarded mid afternoon our home for the next 11 nights, the MSC Lirica. Delivered in March 2003 from Chantiers D’Atlantique, St Nazaire the vessel is of 58,600 GRT with a service speed of 21 knots and capable of carrying upto 2,065 passengers with approximately 700 crew. The crew on this cruise came from 52 different nationalities.

The port of Genoa contained 25 vessels, including a sister ship MSC Opera berthed at the other side of the quay, with other vessels including ferries, bunker tankers and roro vessels with an occasional container ship and coaster. Sailing was scheduled for 1700 and after clearing the port it was time to finish the unpacking and get ready for our second sitting dinner at 2100

Genoa to Naples – 344 miles

 12^th September – 1030 arrival at Naples after having passed the E enroute. A good selection of 45 vessels in port dominated by Italian coastal, inter island and cross Mediterranean ferries. MSC were also prominent with MSC Selma, MSC Carla and MSC Shirley in port working cargo or under repair, and in the afternoon the MSC Toronto also arrived. Various other types of vessels were also noted at the busy repair yards and the veteran cruise ship Grand Victoria was also in port. Departure 1800

Naples – Piraeus 682 miles

 13^th September – Our first day of leisure ‘’at sea’’ with only one vessel noted, the roro Jolly Amaranto. The first Gala Night dinner in the evening, so a chance for the ladies to wear their best outfits.

 14^th September – Awake around 0600 and a visit to the balcony saw us the passing near sister ship MSC Armonia with all lights blazing also inbound for Piraeus, where we arrived at 0700. There were to be six cruise ships in port on the day, the others being Nautica, Superstar Libra, Costa Marina and Ocean Odyssey. Around ten of our members took the ferry to Aegina, skirting the anchorage enroute, while others visited the Corinth Canal or Athens. The anchorage was quieter than on previous visits, probably due to high freight levels obtainable in today’s strong market. Over 70 vessels noted on the day including the usual large collection of Greek ferries and some of the vessels under repair in the distant shipyards of Perama were identifiable. Departure 1700

Piraeus – Yalta 615 miles

15^th September – At sea again with ships to see this time. At 0700 we were still the Dardanelles so a good chance to see some passing traffic and around 0800 we entered the Sea of Marmara which was very busy, and further on we entered the Bosporos Strait at around 1300. The scenic journey through the Bosporos brought back memories of previous TSS visits and as usual it proved to be busy with vessels on the move. We exited the Bosporus around 1515 heading north to Yalta not knowing what ships we might find there. In total some 76 vessels noted on the day, including 31 in the Bosporus (excluding the local ferries). In addition there were probably 40 unidentified vessels in the SW anchorage and a further dozen or so in the NW anchorage.

16^th September – 0800 arrival in Yalta with not very much to report on the shipping scene. One Russian river cruise vessel, two local tugs and two fast ferries under repair were the only vessels to be seen, with the Saga vessel Spirit of Adventure arriving shortly after us. The only rain of the trip in the afternoon and another Gala Night dinner in the evening after 1800 departure

Yalta – Odessa 205 Miles

 17^th September – Early morning arrival in Odessa revealed some 19 vessels in port, a mixture of bulkers, containerships, vessels under repair including the Russian liner Odessa and local craft. Departure at 1300 gave time to identify a further nine vessels in the anchorage with a further six unidentified.

Odessa – Istanbul 330 miles

18^th September – Pilot onboard for the busy southbound Bosporus transit at 0630 and we arrived at the berth at around 0900, with the cruise ships Grand Princess and AIDAaura already berthed astern of us. Members headed of in various directions or on guided tours, but we took the ferry to Kadikoy on the Asian side in order to photograph the ships at the container terminal and the nearby berths. Departure at 1700 and a few photos still to taken around the SW anchorage where estimates of around 80 vessels of all sizes in view, waiting for their various reasons, but most were unidentifiable in the distant haze. A total of 96 names went into the notebook on the day, again excluding the local ferries. 

Istanbul – Catania 765 miles

19^th September – Another day at sea, passing through the Greek islands with light winds and a very hot day with sunbeds at a premium in the afternoon. Some 15 vessels identified on the day including the OMI tanker Rosetta and Lebanese flagged bulker Alexander K. The final Gala Night of the trip.

20^th September – We arrived at Catania around 1130 and as expected a very small port with only five vessels noted including the cruise ship Hebridean Spirit and the French cable layer Rene Descartes. Another hot day and after a short trip ashore it was time for some more sunbed therapy before departure at 1900

Catania – Capri 213 miles

21^st September – Arrival at our anchorage in Capri Bay was at 0730 with only a few local ferries that cross to Naples on view. Time for a visit to the famous Blue Grotto, and some retail therapy before heading back to the ship to start the packing. The sailing cruise ship Royal Clipper arrived shortly before our departure at 1300.

Capri –Genoa 332 miles

22^nd September – We were supposed to vacate our cabins by 0800 so all on deck for the 0900 arrival in Genoa where some 19 vessels were further noted, a large proportion of them being ferries of the Moby, Tirrenia and Grimaldi Lines with a few container vessels and tankers also on view. We left the ship around 1015 to face the return coach journey to Genoa with a few hours waiting at the airport before our return flight on a full BA Airbus A320 back to Heathrow where goodbyes were made and we headed off in our different directions.

Many thanks to our Society Secretary, John James, ably assisted by his wife Penny, for organising a splendid cruise and I am sure all those who participated brought home some very happy memories. Thanks again John and Penny

FAUNO was one of the many ferries sighted at Naples.

SALERNO EXPRESS in dock at Naples.

KNOSSOS PALACE was at Piraeus.

We passed the MEGA STAR in the Sea of Marmara.

Passing the OVERSEAS LUXMAR in the Bosphorus.

KRYMCHANIN - one of the local tugs at Yalta.

At Yalta was the Saga cruise ship SPIRIT OF ADVENTURE.

The ARIAKE REEFER was one of 19 vessels noted in Odessa.

The SPAR LYRA passed us as we headed down the Bosphorus.

AIDAaura was one of the other cruise ships at Istanbul.

Our home for the cruise, the MSC LIRICA berthed at Istanbul during our call there.

We spotted the RADOMYSHL during our voyage from Istanbul to Catania.

Our group attending the final Gala Night of the cruise. 

A bird's eye view of the MSC LIRICA at Capri.

ROYAL CLIPPER arrived at Capri as we were about to depart.

JOLLY ARANCIONE was at Genoa where our cruise came to an end...

.

....as was the NEW ENDEAVOR.

Photographs and Report by Paul Mason

HALUNDER JET was spotted on 29th September.

The Chinese heavy lift DA FU passed outward on 30th September. 

FRANCOP was one of the many feeder container ships seen.

The geared bulker SPAR GARNET passed inwards on 30th September.

Newbuilding SULTAN HOUMED L BOKO was being towed to Rotterdam on 30th September.

TOR BELLONA arriving on 2nd October.

JUTTA B arriving at Cuxhaven Harbour.

Polsteam's MIELEC inward bound in the Elbe.

All photographs by Roger Hammond

28th September to 2nd October - Relax by the Elbe - Cuxhaven

We undertook a four night trip to Cuxhaven. Flights by British Airways to Hamburg with coach transfers to Cuxhaven.

Hotel accommodation was at the Best Western Donners Hotel for four nights - a stone's throw from the viewing area on the River Elbe. Shipping bound for Hamburg and the Kiel Canal pass close by the viewing area.

Although no formally arranged excursions were arranged for the four days at Cuxhaven, advice was given on the possibility of travelling further afield by public transport to ports such as Bremerhaven, Bremen and Hamburg.

The following report is by TSS Member Roger Hammond :

So what was it like?

The BA scheduled flights to Hamburg were very good and comfortable. The Best Western Donners Hotel was also very good and comfortable. Weather was generally, acceptable. Slightly showery only one day and a ginormous storm one night.

This was my first visit to Cuxhaven. It produced something for everyone – tugs, ro-ros, reefers, container ships, bulkers, tankers, cruise ships, grey funnel etc, etc.

There is an almost perfect viewing platform at the ‘Alte Liebe’ allowing good shots of everything passing, except the very small in the very distance. This was where most of us spent our days. All facilities were within a very short walking distance, Port Control even announcing the names & schedules of the shipping as it passed (Can you imagine that happening in the UK?).

Four intrepid explorers made their own way to Hamburg for the Hamburg harbour tour which I gather was very good indeed. However, at the end of the four days of the trip, we had nearly all seen the same ships – albeit in different locations. 

I am sure that the eleven of us who went thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.

Would I recommend it? YES. Would I do it again? YES.

Here’s hoping that the 2007 proposed trip to Rendsburg on the Kiel Canal garners sufficient support to enable the trip to go ahead.
Just think, 4 days sitting beside the Kiel Canal, a full stein in one hand, a camera in the other, a pencil in another and a notebook in another!

October 21st - London International Ship Show

We were at Table No 27 at this year's Ship Show on 21st October at the Royal National Hotel, Bloomsbury, where members of the committee were on hand to answer questions and have a chat.

For more details about the Ship Show use the following link : Ocean Liner Society

                 2005 Review                 

Lunch Time at the Winter Social. Photo by Chris Brooks.

COTE D'IVORIAN STAR at Dover on 29th January, taken by Roger Hammond.

Cable Layer PETER FABER at Calais on 28th January, taken by Roger Hammond.

Our Winter Social, the first TSS event of the new year was attended by 31 members at the Churchill Hotel, on the seafront at Dover.

After some brisk trade at the hotel bar, a  three course lunch was enjoyed by all present. 

The meal was followed by an informative slide show given by Mike Jackson on "Dover Shipping from 1989 onwards". Instead of the usual ferries the slide show concentrated on the wide variety of other shipping using the port, from reefers to preserved tugs to North Sea shuttle tankers! Thanks to Mike for a great slide show. 

Some of the members attending the event made a weekend of it, staying at the hotel and also taking a trip on one of the many ferries over to Calais.

9th April - AGM at Southampton

Over sixty TSS members attended the AGM on-board Blue Funnel's Ocean Scene at Southampton. 

An enjoyable three course lunch was first served followed by the AGM.

Following the AGM we had a 3 hour cruise of Southampton Docks, Southampton Water as far a Fawley Oil Terminal and the River Itchen.

Unfortunately the docks we quite quiet, however, we were fortunate to be able to view P&O's new liner, Arcadia, which had arrived on it's delivery voyage a few days previously and was due to be named on Tuesday 12th April.

We then proceeded up to the container terminal where the NYK Lodestar was the sole occupant.

Whilst proceeding out of Southampton docks, we witnessed the arrival of the Malaysian containership Bunga Raya Dua at dockhead, before making our way down Southampton Water to view the busy Fawley Oil Terminal.

At Fawley there were four tankers of varying sizes present including the Young Lady, Freja Atlantic, Rita and Bro Galaxy. .

On our way back to Southampton we viewed some of the various craft in the River Itchen before an enjoyable cruise ended in Ocean Village.

Photographs and report by Chris Brooks.

P&O's new ARCADIA at Mayflower Cruise Terminal.

A close encounter with the ARCADIA.

A stern view of the ARCADIA.

BUNGA RAYA DUA arriving at dockhead.

YOUNG LADY was one of the tankers at Fawley.

ADSTEAM VICTORY at the tug moorings.

PRIORITY at Tilbury Landing Stage

The new tug CASTLE POINT at Coryton.

HAVTANK departing from the Thames.

On a cool windy morning 60 TSS stalwarts met onboard the Princess Pocahontas. The bad news was that Sunk pilots were not working & so our expected container ships & tankers would not be coming in. 

Priority 83/2113 was at Tilbury landing stage. The recently renamed Adsteam Victory 495/00 was at the tug moorings. Further down river Yuko 920/86 was inbound followed by Finnwood 11839/73. Coryton produced the new BP tugs Stanford 381/05 and Castle Point 374/05 plus tanker Ganges 23246/04. 

We headed for Southend but regrettably due to the sea conditions Captain Potter had to pull the plug on crossing to the Medway. So we pottered back up river passing Havtank 1083/69 on her way out. 

Not a huge amount of shipping photographed, but still an enjoyable day out.

With thanks to Roger Hammond for the report and photographs.

On the warm sunny morning of Saturday 18th June, 27 members of the TSS made their way to the four star Delta Hotel on the banks of the river in Vlaardingen for the start of the 2005 Continental Tour. The main party of 19 members travelled by the Stena HSS to the Hook of Holland whilst some travelled by other means including Eurostar via Brussels.

Early the next morning on a beautifully sunny day, the members assembled on the PartySchip Diane for our usual 9 hour private cruise of the port complexes of Rotterdam and Europoort. Europoort was quite busy with many tankers (including the Chinese Da Ming Hu) and bulk carriers (including Main Ore and Elbe Ore) present. We also witnessed the arrival of the impressively large VLCC Ocana at Europoort. From Europoort we made our way back up to Rotterdam where we viewed many other interesting vessels in the port of Rotterdam. During the nine hour cruise we noted and photographed over 100 vessels.

On Monday 20th we checked out of the Delta Hotel and made our way by coach, via our normal viewing area at the Hook of Holland to the Arion Hotel at Vlissingen, where we stayed for the remainder of our tour. The Arion Hotel is situated on the seafront at Vlissingen and overlooks the main channels of the River Schelde. All the shipping for Antwerp, Gent and Flushing passes this point. One of the shipping channels passes along the seafront at Vlissingen, making it possible to photograph vessels at close quarters from your hotel room balcony.

On Tuesday we travelled by coach to Terneuzen, which is one of the best vantage points from which to photograph vessels in the River Schelde. Although the river was quite quiet shipping wise, we managed to get some great photographs of the shipping that did pass, including, Ibn Khaldoun II, Moritz Schulte, Kota Pekarang and Kopalnia Rydultowy.

Wednesday saw us travelling by coach to Antwerp, via a short stop at the locks to view an arriving container ship. Our private five hour cruise of Antwerp yielded approximately 50 ships, from bulk carriers (including Olympic Merit, Kras and Peach Mountain), to reefers (including Elsebeth, Glacier, Hansa Lubeck and Cormoros Stream), to tankers (including Eagle Tacoma, Sichem Padua and Amber) to general cargo ships (including Leopold Staff, Boris Babochkin, Emmagracht).

On Thursday we repeated our visit to Terneuzen where quite a few ships were photographed underway in excellent sunny conditions, including, MSC Korea, Nina, Maersk Rouen, MSC Venice, North Friendship and Atlantic Concert. 

On Friday we again proceeded to Terneuzen with the added attraction of a coach trip around Gent docks arranged by our Belgian friend Andre. Gent was quite quiet, but Terneuzen was busy, with preparations for a Haven Festival underway. The festival had attracted many preserved tugs including the magnificent Holland. The finale at Terneuzen was the passing of nine large ships within 30 minutes, which necessitated many reels of film being used up!

On Saturday 25th under the first cloudy skies we had seen on the whole trip, we made our way from Vlissingen to the Hook of Holland for our return trip on the Stena HSS to Harwich. On arrival at Harwich goodbyes were said with our minds full of the fantastic past week of sun, sea and shipping. 

A great trip, with almost 500 different ships (excluding tugs and other harbour craft) being logged. 

Photographs and report by Chris Brooks.

SANTIAGO EXPRESS passing our hotel at Vlaardingen whilst leaving Rotterdam.

JO BIRK outward bound in Rotterdam during our port cruise.

VLCC OCANA arriving at Europoort during our Diane cruise.

ASTRAKHAN passing Terneuzen on Tuesday 21st, bound for Antwerp.

EMMAGRACHT during our Antwerp Port Cruise

WELS passing our hotel in Vlissingen

MSC BRIANNA passing Terneuzen on Friday 24th bound for Antwerp.

The preserved tug HOLLAND was at Terneuzen for the Haven Festival.

Bulk Carrier C.S. STAR passing Vlissingen pilot station.

SEA PRINCESS at Eastern Docks, Southampton. 

CMA CGM BERLIOZ inward bound for the container terminal.

MINERVA LISA approaching Fawley with tugs THRAX and SILEX.

HMS NEWCASTLE laid up in Portsmouth Harbour.

Nigerian Frigate ARADU in Portsmouth.

DON CARLOS leaving Southampton.

P&O's OCEANA departing from Southampton.

On a grey Saturday morning, 60 TSS members met at Ocean Village to board the new Blue Funnel vessel Ashleigh R for the annual six hour Solent Cruise. Luckily the grey skies soon started to break up and by mid afternoon the weather was pleasant and sunny.

On departure from Ocean Village we made our way up the River Itchen to view the various small craft moored in the river, including the Itchen Marine tugs and some laid up MoD craft.

Making our way back down the Itchen we were able to view three vehicle carriers Don Carlos, Trianon and Hoegh Trooper in the Eastern Docks, as well as the cruise vessel Sea Princess (ex Adonia). Condock IV was meanwhile passing us bound for the Western Docks.

In the Western Docks was P&O's cruise ship Oceana. There were no vessels in the container terminal, so we turned after viewing the Oceana and made our way out of Southampton, passing two large container ships inbound for the empty terminal - the MOL Priority and the CMA CGM Berlioz.

Lunch was then served as we made our way up to Fawley Oil Terminal. Two small tankers were already on Fawley Jetty, but we then passed the inbound large tanker Minerva Lisa, being assisted by the tugs Thrax and Silex. Meanwhile the ro-ro Valmont Express passed inwards closely followed by another ro-ro Le Castellet.

On arrival at Portsmouth we were able to view the Royal Navy warships including Illustrious, Exeter, Leeds Castle and Marlborough, but, the highlight for many was the Nigerian frigate Aradu and the Romanian frigate Regina Maria.

We also viewed the ferries at the ferry port and the arrival of the fast ferry Normandie Express, followed by the departure of Brittany Ferries vessel Mont St. Michel.

Completing the tour of Portsmouth Harbour, we viewed the laid up warships in the harbour, including Fearless, Intrepid, Glasgow, Newcastle and Rame Head.

We then made our way back to Southampton to be ready to view the departure of the vehicle carrier Don Carlos and the cruise ship Sea Princess followed closely by the Oceana, which made a nice photograph in the early evening sunlight.

Finally we arrived at Ocean Village and the end of another successful Solent Cruise, with a good range of shipping viewed and photographed, with many of the vessels being underway.

Photographs and report by Chris Brooks.

On a reasonably warm August morning, 55 TSS members swarmed onto the Princess Pocahontas under the watchful eye of Cpt John Potter. This was our second Thames and Medway trip for 2005. 

As we left Gravesend, the feeder Veritas-H 4048/95 & roro Valentine 22986/99 were inbound. At the tug moorings was Lady Cecilia 314/91 one of Adsteams recent re-allocations. Meanwhile, Tilbury power station was graced by bulker Spar Vega 38779/95. The small general cargo vessel Schulenburg 2265/81 was inward bound for Tower Wharf. At Coryton was a clutch of tankers, including brand new Paul E 4500/05. Also on station were the three BP tugs, with the brand new Corringham 374/05 being the focus of many cameras. 

On now to Sheerness where the lone reefer Triton Reefer 8818/90
was unloading. At Thamesport, a single containership Lykes Pathfinder 30526/94 provided the only interest. On now to Kingsnorth power station where Lord Hinton 14201/86 and Tinnes 6944/83 were unloading coal. 

We returned to the Thames just in time to see Cambodian registered Havtank 1083/69 on her way out. Off Canvey Island, we encountered outward bound CMA CGM Manet 26050/01. We returned via Purfleet, passing tankers Libelle 8007/99 and Tikhvin
26218/96. Finally, returning to Tilbury, we passed the eldery tug Hazel - E 124/39 at Greenhithe. 

A very good day, just a little short of shipping, but the weather & the
company made up for it.

With thanks to Roger Hammond for the report and photographs.

The new BP tug CORRINGHAM at Coryton.

Newbuilding, PAUL E was at Coryton too.

LYKES PATHFINDER at Thamesport.

TINNES unloading coal at Kingshorth.

CMA CGM Manet outward bound off Canvey Island.

Bulk Carrier BONANZA at Botlek Harbour, Rotterdam

Also in Botlek Harbour was the BRITISH EXPERIENCE

...as was the NORMAND AURORA

SUPREME HARVEST at Rotterdam Refrigerated Terminal

ABU ZENIMA was at Antwerp

FONTHIDA NAREE shortly before leaving Antwerp

PRIVILEGE, one of the many reefers at Antwerp

Conventional cargo ship THEOFANO at Antwerp.

A close encounter with Tug 82 at Antwerp

10th to 13th September - Weekend Visit to Holland and Belgium

Twenty TSS members were whisked very efficiently by the Eurostar departure from London Waterloo and Ashford to Brussels. Once we had found our coach at Brussels Midi station, we proceeded to the four star Hotel Brabant in Breda which was to be our base for three nights.

Early the next morning, we made our way by coach to Vlaardingen where we boarded our usual cruise vessel, the Diane, for our nine hour Rotterdam and Europoort cruise.

After starting the cruise in misty conditions, the sun started to shine through by the time we arrived at Europoort. However, it was to be a mixed day of mist, sunny intervals and cloud for our cruise.

Europoort was quite busy with four large bulk carriers in port - Main Ore, Cecilia, Cape Orchid and China Steel Responsibility as well as a few large tankers including Safwa, Minerva Zenia and Iran Abadeh. The container terminal was busy as usual, with P&O Nedlloyd Heemskerck and LT Cortesia being the highlights.

Botlek Harbour was also quite busy with a number of bulk carriers, including Aviona, Bonanza and Saffron in the harbour.

Eemshaven and Waalhaven also produced some interesting vessels including the Italian cable ship Pertinacia and the conventional freighter Ever Happy. 

Undeterred by the changeable weather, over 100 vessels, were logged and photographed by the members participating in the cruise.

On Monday morning we drove to Antwerp, to board our vessel the Kempenland  for our five hour private cruise of the enclosed dock area. 

Weatherwise, the mist had disappeared and the sun even shone for a while!

Approximately 50 vessels were photographed in Antwerp, with the highlights being the conventional freighters Rasha Star, Wealthy Star and Theofano as well as five reefer vessels - Privilege, Dole Europa, Colombian Star, Duncan Island and Antarctic Mermaid.

As we returned to our boarding point towards the end of the cruise we were escorted for part of the way by the Antwerp Port tug "82", which produced some excellent photographs. 

After the cruise we made our way back to Antwerp for our final night at the hotel before our return journey to London via the Eurostar train from Brussels.

A very enjoyable long weekend, with good company, and approximately 150 ships photographed. 

Photographs and report by Chris Brooks.

At this year's Ship Show to be held on Sunday 16th October at the Royal National Hotel, Bloomsbury, the TSS will be exhibiting at Table No  22. Committee members will be in attendance who look forward to welcoming both members and non-members old and new.

For more details about the Ship Show use the following link : Ocean Liner Society

40 TSS Members assembled at Heathrow on the afternoon of Saturday 22nd October for what was going to be a superb 15 night tour of the Far East. 

Following an uneventful flight by China Eastern Airways, we arrived at Shanghai in the afternoon on Sunday. After a coach transfer we found ourselves checked into the Peace Hotel for a five night stay at this famous hotel on "The Bund" overlooking the Huangpu River.

Monday was a free day to be spent at leisure in Shanghai, however, a large number of our party congregated on the Bund for the 2pm public cruise down to the mouth of the Huangpu River. Those new to Shanghai were amazed by the amount of activity on the river. Barges, tugs, coasters, large merchant ships, naval craft - everywhere!

On Tuesday we had our first private eight hour cruise down to the mouth of the River. Many reels of film were used up!

Wednesday was a free day again - the early risers were lucky to photograph the SD14 Xin He Er Hao making her way down river past the Peace Hotel. The daily routine of the 2pm public cruise down the river enticed many members to spend their afternoon this way again.

On Thursday our private eight hour cruise up river took place. We had to get special permission to go up river as the tourist boats are usually not allowed to cruise up river. Members were amazed at the amount of activity, including shipyards, and many general cargo berths. Once the shipping thinned out we turned around and our boat took us downriver to the mouth of the Huangpu again.

Friday saw a departure in the first rain of the holiday to Shanghai Airport for the short fight to Bangkok. On arrival in a very humid Bangkok we transferred to the very impressive Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel for a three night stay.

Saturday was our private six hour cruise down to the mouth of the river. Some members thought that Bangkok would be a quiet river compared to Shanghai, but we were not disappointed, with many general cargo vessels being present, some anchored in the middle of the river unloading into barges, the old fashioned way. The river was very busy with many vessel movements being witnessed in very warm and sunny weather.

On Sunday it was a private day to relax and take in the sights of Bangkok, some members took a trip to the Bridge on the River Kwai. Others, went off in search of a SD14 at Ko Sichang and found and photographed the Hermes.

Monday saw a late morning departure to the airport for another short flight by Singapore Airlines to Singapore, arriving at the Shangri-La Rasa Sentosa hotel on Sentosa Island late in the afternoon. 

On Tuesday we had our eight hour private cruise of the Eastern Anchorage at Singapore followed by the Western Anchorage on a beautifully sunny day. Many, many ships of all types were photographed.

Wednesday was a free day, during which some spent exploring Singapore, others relaxed at the hotel while others photographed yet more ships.

Thursday was another free day. One group of explorers even ventured across the Straits to Indonesia to find the laid up SD14 Spring - but this time they failed to find it.

Friday was the day for our last organised boat trip. This time we started in the Western Anchorage, then explored the port area followed by the Eastern Anchorage.

Our final day in Singapore was on Saturday. It was a free day before an early evening departure to Singapore airport and then a comfortable flight back with Singapore Airlines to London.

A wonderful two weeks of sun, ships and the sea, which was enjoyed by all who participated.  

CHANG AN 116, a typical Chinese coaster, outward bound in the Huangpu River on 24th October.

Salvage tug DE DA outward bound in the Huangpu River on 24th October.

SD14 XIN HE ER HAO passing the Peace Hotel (with the green roof) on 26th October.

XUE LONG was berthed in the Huangpu, downriver from Shanghai on 26th October.

Traditional bridge forward tanker DA QING 42 berthed at Shanghai on 26th October.

YONG LONG 68 inward bound at Shanghai during our upriver cruise on 27th October.

RATTANA MANII outward bound from Bangkok on 29th October.

It's not only traditional cargo vessels at Bangkok! YANTRA BHUM inward bound on 29th October.

Reefer WINTERNGFAR arrives at Bangkok on 29th October.

V.L.8 was one of many small product tankers at Bangkok.

KOTA SINGA at Singapore on 1st November.

SALVAGE CHAMPION at Singapore during our private cruise on 1st November

CE PACIFIC was one of many large tankers photographed at Singapore.

NEW AN HUI was in the Western Anchorage at Singapore all week.

LAINE was in the Eastern Anchorage at Singapore.

2004 Review

24th January - Winter Social

Our winter social this year was held aboard the preserved steamship Shieldhall at Southampton, between 12:00 and 17:00. A three course lunch was provided followed by a slide show by Ray Smith covering a recent trip to Piraeus in October 2003. 

The Shieldhall had been moved to 110 berth in the Western Docks and this provided us with excellent photographic opportunities of shipping using that area of the docks. Three container ship movements were witnessed by over 30 members. A fine, sunny, January day added to the enjoyment. 

Thanks to the staff of the Shieldhall and Ray Smith for the slide show.

KWINTEBANK berthed next to the Shieldhall

OOCL FREEDOM arriving during the afternoon

(Photos by Chris Brooks)

Over 25 members enjoyed a fine sunny weekend in Antwerp and Bruges. Coach travel was provided from London and Dover, with a ferry crossing to Calais. The hotel was in the scenic city of Bruges. A five hour private boat trip around Antwerp docks was the highlight of the weekend. This was undertaken in excellent weather with over 70 ocean going vessels photographed. 

ALKMINI A, APMAN II, CHINA STEEL DEVELOPER, DUNCAN ISLAND and ZULTAN berthed in Antwerp on 27th March 2004.

ILE DE SEIN at Dunkirk

(Photos by Chris Brooks)

CARONIA departing Southampton and the DOULOS

BALTIC TRADER at Southampton and the BOURGOGNE at Fawley Oil Terminal

(Photos by Chris Brooks)

17th April - AGM at Southampton

The Annual General Meeting was held on board the Ocean Scene in Ocean Village at Southampton. A three course meal was enjoyed by approximately 50 members, followed by the AGM. 

A three hour private cruise on the Ocean Scene around Southampton Docks and Fawley Oil Terminal followed the AGM. The veteran passenger ship Doulos was in port on the day as was Cunard's Caronia.

At Fawley we were lucky enough to see one of the VLCCs that occasionally visit the oil terminal - the Bourgogne.

Over 50 members enjoyed the cruise down the Thames and into the Medway. Southend Anchorage produced four vessels at anchor including the conventional cargo ship Daniel, and there were several movements of vessels witnessed in the River Thames including the P&O Nedlloyd Barossa Valley and the tankers Meriom Pride and Tellus. 

Unfortunately the Medway, including Sheerness and Thamesport was devoid of shipping so we ventured up to Ridham Dock - which was a first for the TSS - where there were two vessels berthed.

The cruise was rounded off by sailing back up the Thames as far as Tilbury and the container terminal where the S.A. Winterberg made a fine sight in the late afternoon sunshine.

DANIEL anchored off Southend.

TELLUS departing from the Thames.

S.A. WINTERBERG at Tilbury Container Terminal

(Photos by Chris Brooks)

The graceful QE2 at berth 106, Southampton.

The huge QUEEN MARY 2 at berth 38/39, Southampton.

A close encounter with the HELLE WONSILD at Fawley!

(Photos by Chris Brooks)

An additional Solent Cruise on Blue Funnel's Ocean Scene - arranged to coincide with the Queen Mary 2 and Queen Elizabeth 2 being in port on this day. Also the Sundream was in port at 101 berth.

Unfortunately the container terminal was empty and the rest of the port was quite quiet.

The cruise ventured up Southampton Water to Fawley, which had a few small tankers berthed and we also did a circuit of the departing coastal tanker Helle Wonsild (with the agreement of the pilot!).

The cruise finished by sailing up the River Itchen to view the various dredgers and tugs moored in the River.

A very pleasant way to spend a Saturday afternoon!

Travel was via the Harwich to Hook of Holland route on the Stena Discovery. A local coach met us at the Hook of Holland and was available to us during the week when required.

Although the weather was changeable we were lucky enough to have good conditions during our two private harbour cruises.  

The ever popular nine hour private cruise of Rotterdam and Europoort on board the Diane, allowed members to photograph over 100 ships in the busy port.

The five hour private cruise of Antwerp on our vessel the Kempenland also yielded many interesting vessels.

Other days were spent with optional coach visits to Terneuzen for photography from the river bank and a tour of the port of Ghent by coach.

MADDALENA D'AMATO passing Terneuzen for Antwerp

WEICHSELSTERN arriving at Europoort during our Rotterdam cruise

Indian tanker RABINDRANATH TAGORE at Antwerp during our port cruise

Heavy-lift ship MARIA passing our hotel at Vlissingen

VLCC AL-SALHEIA at Europoort during our Rotterdam cruise.

PRINCE OF STREAMS made a fine sight steaming past us during the Rotterdam cruise

Reefer SUMMER BAY berthed at Antwerp during our private harbour cruise

WEALTHY STAR makes a fine sight passing Terneuzen.

(Photos by Chris Brooks)

MARATHON arriving at Fawley

HMS INVINCIBLE at Portsmouth

CHERBOURG EXPRESS arriving at Portsmouth

A close encounter with the EMDEN in Southampton Water

OCEANA at her berth in Southampton.

(Photos by Chris Brooks)

Over 50 members enjoyed the annual six hour private Solent Cruise. Although we departed from Southampton in dull, grey conditions, very soon, we were blessed with sunshine, which stayed with us for the rest of the day.

We started by cruising up the River Itchen a short way to see the laid up tugs and dredger traffic. We then headed down to Fawley which was very busy with an interesting selection of tankers, with the LPG carrier Marathon arriving at the oil terminal.

Continuing on to Portsmouth we photographed the naval vessels in harbour, including the aircraft carrier Invincible. For the ferry enthusiasts, present in port were the Pride of Portsmouth and the Mont St Michel. We also witnessed the arrival of the fast ferries Max Mols (trading as the Caen Express) and the Express (trading as the Cherbourg Express), as well as several of the regular Isle of Wight ferries.

On our way back to Southampton, in Southampton Water, we encountered the arriving vehicle carrier Asian Parade and the departing vehicle carrier Emden, passing at close quarters.

Finally we took a short trip around Southampton Harbour to photograph the cruise ships QE2 and Oceana, and also witnessed the departing vehicle carrier G and C Parana, before returning to our berth in Ocean Village where the cruise ended.

All in all a very successful day with a good variety of shipping, a number of movements and bright sunny weather.

Fortunately the mist soon cleared as we headed down river, enabling us to see the inward bound pallet carrier Corner Brook and dredger Charlemagne. There were three tankers at Coryton, including Murmansk. In the anchorages were one dredger and two bulkers Handy Trader and Elwine Oldendorff.

At Sheerness, reefer Wild Heather was between two small general cargo ships and moving on to Thamesport, we were able to watch Lykes Navigator leaving with two tugs.

 Sailing back up the Thames to Purfleet, we passed Weston at Northfleet and S A Helderberg just leaving Tilbury Container berth. We returned to Tilbury landing stage just in time to welcome the inward bound P & O Nedlloyd Juliana.

Another enjoyable day.

(With thanks to Roger Hammond for the report and photos)

CORNER BROOK inbound in the Thames.

Ro-ro CAROLINE RUSS in the Thames off Tilbury.

WILD HEATHER at Sheerness

A new tug in the Thames - Adsteam's GURRONG

Mini Cruise BM092 was aboard the BRAEMAR..

ST. ANNASTRAND assists the Braemar at Antwerp.

FEDERAL SETO at Antwerp during the Flandria dock cruise.

THURO MAERSK at Honfleur.

Dinner on-board the Braemar.

28th to 31st August - Braemar Mini Cruise BM092

Despite the numbers being reduced to 9 participants, after 4 cancellations for various reasons, a good time was had by all on this three night cruise from Dover, calling at Honfleur and Antwerp, before arriving back at Dover.

The weather could have been kinder, especially on the river passage to Antwerp, where there were surprisingly few ships on the move. 

Several participants undertook the Flandria public cruise in Antwerp Docks and were rewarded with sightings of over 50 vessels, which quite impressed the 2 members new to TSS trips.

We arrived at Honfleur at the right time as it must have been nearing high tide - as there was a good selection of passing traffic both up and down river.

The Braemar is still a fine ship, not too big, with a happy and friendly crew from 18 nationalities and no complaints were received as everything went smoothly.

Thanks to Fred Olsen Cruise Lines for a comfortable and relaxing few days that ended far too quickly. 

(With thanks to Paul Mason for the report and photos)

36 members arrived at Gravesend and Tilbury for the final Thames and Medway cruise of the year aboard our old friend the Princess Pocohontas. It was a blustery day, but luckily, the sun was with us for the majority of the time to give some good photographic conditions.

Unfortunately the riverside berths in the Thames were very quiet, but this was compensated for by a good number of movements of ships being noted and photographed.

After proceeding up river following the inward bound Sigas Champion as far as the Dart Terminal, we made our way down river, with a diversion via the inside berth of the grain terminal at Tilbury to photograph the well laden Georgian flagged coaster Arcus.

We then proceeded down river via the tug berths at Gravesend and past some inbound container feeders. At Coryton there were three tankers present as well as the inward bound bulk carrier Dallington.

Is Southend anchorage two ships were photographed - the ro-ro Marabou and the tanker St Mary. 

We then crossed to the Medway where we witnessed the departure of the container ship Alexandra and the reefer Amer Annapurna. The large container ship LT Unicorn was at Thamesport and the bulk carrier Petrel Arrow at Sheerness. On our departure from the Medway we passed the arriving Tern Arrow, being assisted by the Medway tugs.

We then made our way back up the Thames passing the outward bound Louise Russ at close quarters on the way, until the cruise ended at Tilbury and Gravesend at 5pm. 

Thames tug COBHAM moored at Gravesend.

Reefer AMER ANNAPURNA departing from Sheerness.

LT UNICORN at Thamesport.

STENHEIM berthed in the Medway.

LOUISE RUSS outward bound in the Thames.

(Photos by Chris Brooks)

MINERVA NOUNOU arriving at Istanbul during our Tuzla Cruise.

YAMM berthed at Tuzla during our cruise.

TASMAN START passing one of the many vantage points along the Bosphorus .

AMELIA in Istanbul Anchorage during our cruise to Ambarli.

LALE UNALDI berthed at Ambarli during our visit to the port.

RHAPSODY underway in the Bosphorus, taken from the Tourist Ferry.

(Photos by Chris Brooks)

36 TSS members enjoyed a week of sunshine and shipping in the interesting and vibrant city of Istanbul. We stayed at the comfortable President Hotel in the heart of the city close to the Grand Bazaar and other attractions such as the Blue Mosque. The hotel had a rooftop restaurant which gave magnificent views of the anchorages at Istanbul as well as the entrance to the Bosphorus.  

There were four free days, which allowed members to either partake in some sightseeing or watch the shipping in the busy Bosphorus. The "tourist ferry" which cruises the Bosphorus up as far as the entrance to the Black Sea was a popular attraction for many members. This ferry gave close up views of the shipping transitting the Bosphorus as well as delivering members to the best vantage points for photographing the passing shipping.

Two seven hour private cruises were arranged for the group. The first cruise was to the ship construction and repair yards at Tuzla. Tuzla was an amazing sight with a large number of ships in various stages of repair and construction crammed into the harbour. On the way to Tuzla there are several small harbours and anchorages which were also covered. On the way back to Istanbul we also visited the container terminal and port at Haydarpasa.

The second cruise took us through the busy anchorage at Istanbul to the port of Ambarli, several miles up the coast from Istanbul. Ambarli is a compact but busy port and provided us with the opportunity to photograph several bulk carriers, general cargo ships and coasters. On the way back to Istanbul we comprehensively photographed the shipping in Istanbul anchorage before passing close to several ships underway at the entrance to the Bosphorus.

All too soon the end of the week arrived and the group found themselves arriving back at Heathrow Airport with memories of the wide variety of shipping of all types and ages that had been seen in the unforgettable setting of Istanbul and the Bosphorus.

Starting and finishing in London, we will travel by luxury coach to Antwerp for a three night stay. Travel via Calais/Dover. Three nights accommodation will be arranged in a three star hotel in Antwerp city centre.

There will be a six hour private cruise of Rotterdam including Maasvlakte, Europoort and Botlek, on our old friend the cruise vessel Diane plus other areas if time allows. 

Also included will be a five hour private and comprehensive cruise of the Antwerp port complex.

If time permits there will be a short stop in Dunkirk on the return journey.

This trip has unfortunately had to be cancelled due to the minimum number of participants not being achieved.

This year's show will be held at the Royal National Hotel, Bedford Way, London between 10:00 and 16:00.

Due to circumstances beyond our control, we have had to cancel the stand at this year's Ship Show to be held on Sunday 17th October. We hope to be exhibiting again at the Ship Show next year.

2003 Review

Our annual Winter Social was held onboard the Shieldhall at Southampton. 

43 members attended in favourable weather conditions for an enjoyable afternoon consisting of a three course lunch, followed by a slide show given by Peter Ives on a visit to Ho-Chi-Minh City, in preparation for the trip to the Far East later in the year. 

With thanks to all the volunteer crew of the Shieldhall, Bill Gambling the catering manager for an enjoyable lunch, and Peter Ives for his excellent slide show.

Lunch aboard the Shieldhall (Photo by Paul Mason)

Shieldhall at Southampton (Photo by Chris Brooks)

We returned to the Far East with a 15 night tour starting from London Heathrow airport. Five nights in Singapore, staying at our usual Rasa Sentosa Hotel on Sentosa Island, overlooking the Western Anchorage.

Interocean No 2 at Singapore

Sang Yang anchored in the Saigon River

Tiger Durban at Saigon.

In addition a six hour cruise was undertaken on the Saigon River taking in the old and new ports in the city centre and as far downriver to the anchorages as time allowed. There was  also plenty of free time for shopping / sightseeing etc.

In a 'thank you' letter one of our members commented 'all I can do is to admire the end result and say 'magnificent''. What more can we say apart from a big 'thank you' to Silverbird Travel for their usual first class organisation.

Maria C at Hong Kong

Millennia Tower at Hong Kong

(All photos by Paul Mason)

Black Watch at Southampton

Bunga Raya Satu at Southampton Container Terminal

MOL Advantage arriving at Southampton

(Photos by Chris Brooks)

55 members attended the AGM was held onboard the Ocean Scene at Southampton's Ocean Village after an enjoyable lunch. Then we enjoyed a cruise covering Southampton docks, Fawley and Hamble.

The AGM went smoothly with all resolutions carried without any issues. This was followed by the cruise as outlined above which lasted approximately three and a half hours. the cruise ship Black Watch was in port on the day.

Fortunately there were quite a few shipping movements on the day, including the inbound container ship MOL Advantage which made up for for the lack of tankers at Fawley and Hamble. Thanks to everyone who attended, especially to Bo Godfrey for organising the days event and Blue Funnel for their usual excellent arrangements.

25th to 28th April - Mini Continental

21 members took part in a Mini Continental tour staying three nights at the Delta Hotel, Vlaardingen on the riverside near Rotterdam with our usual private boat trips around Antwerp and Rotterdam. We travelled via the HSS from Harwich to Hook of Holland.

Some 275 vessels were noted during the trip and the three members new to our Continental trips enjoyed the experience. Lets hope they return for more of the same in the future.

Unfortunately it was raining for for much of the time in Antwerp, but being under shelter did not prevent the taking of photographs, and lunch was taken when the rain was at its heaviest. There was an average number of vessels in the enclosed docks during our five hour private cruise.

The nine hour private cruise around Rotterdam and Europoort on our old friend the Diane, started off cloudy and windy, but brightened up later in the day, resulting in good photographic conditions with a varied selection of vessels, especially large bulk carriers.

Annie Sierra berthed at Antwerp

Apostolovo arriving in Botlek Harbour, Rotterdam

Ocean going tug Husky outward bound from Rotterdam

Ocean Friend at Rotterdam

(Photos by Chris Brooks)

Harry S Truman in the Solent.

A close encounter with the Alfa Germania off Terneuzen

APL India leaving the riverside container terminal at Antwerp.

Puffin Arrow changing pilots off Vlissingen

TSS Members aboard the Braemar.

(Photos by Paul Mason)

The first TSS cruise.

25 members sampled a four night mini cruise on the cruise ship  Braemar. In direct association with Fred.Olsen Cruise Lines we organised a trip departing from Southampton and calling at St Malo and Antwerp with an overnight stopover before disembarkation at Dover. 

It was a most enjoyable four nights on a vessel not too large like some of the modern cruise ships. A happy smiling crew looked after us very well and we had arranged group tables for dinner which looked directly out over the stern. 

One of the highlights was sighting the US aircraft carrier Harry S Truman anchored in the Solent on her return from the Gulf. 

St Malo was a most enjoyable place to visit but with very little shipping as expected.

The transit of the River Schelde into Antwerp produced the usual busy and varied collection of ships.A few members undertook the public harbour cruise in Antwerp where around 50 ships were noted in the enclosed main dock.

The on return to Dover the cruise ships Norweigan Dream and Black Prince were also in Dover on the same day.

A highly recommended 'taster' for a proper cruise and we propose to do a similar trip in August 2004.

Eight members undertook a trip to Helsingor in Demark for watching ship movements in the Sound - the narrow channel between Denmark and Sweden. 

Travel was via the DFDS ferry Dana Sirena - on its maiden crossing from Harwich to Esbjerg and onwards by train to Helsingor for a four night stay.

Our base was the Hotel Hamlet which was very comfortable and friendly. Members made good use of free time by either visiting Copenahgen, undertaking ferry trips across to Sweden, by visiting the maritime museum in Helsingor, or watching the shipping passing through the Sound. 

A successful and enjoyable trip.

Li Bai negotiating the Sound

Mercandia IV - one of the local ferries

(Photos by John Campbell)

The new cruise ship Crystal Serenity at Southampton

The new Indian frigate Talwar anchored off Portsmouth

Mighty Confidence at anchor in the Solent

Pride of Portsmouth departing from Portsmouth

(Photos by Chris Brooks)

Our annual six hour private cruise from Southampton on the Ocean Scene starting at midday. This cruise covered the River Itchen, Southampton Docks, Fawley and Hamble, plus Portsmouth Harbour. 

Despite late notice of a change of departure point all 66 participants arrived within time. It was really a day of newbuildings with the new cruise ship Crystal Serenity being in port as expected.

There was the usual collection of roro's and car carriers in and around Southampton but Fawley was faily quiet. At anchor off Portsmouth was the newbuilding Indian frigate Talwah.

On to Portsmouth where the aircraft carriers Ark Royal and Invincible were both in port. We were also to see the simultaneous sailing of the ferries Pride of Portsmouth and the relatively new Mont St Michel.

On the return leg we were treated to a 'surprise' cream tea, and the gas carrier Northumberland sailing from Fawley. Finally, the Caronia sailed as expected on our way back to Southampton.

A thoroughly enjoyable day with good weather a good selection of shipping.

A repeat of last years experimental midweek Princess Pochahontas seven hour private Thames and Medway cruise including buffet lunch. 

Admittedly not one of our better trips - a technical fault delayed our departure from Tilbury and there were no tankers berthed at Shell Haven or Coryton. Only one coaster was at Southend anchorage and there were no vessels at all at Sheerness. In the Medway the only vessels were the Yeoman Bridge and the laid up Donetsk, while Thamesport was also empty.

En-route back to Gravesend we passed the departing Maersk Constantia and several bulk carriers, container ships and car carriers were noted at Tilbury. Despite everyting including the cloudy and windy weather, everyone seemed quite happy at renewing contacts with old friends.

A close encounter with Dart 2!

Donetsk under arrest in the Medway

Maersk Constantia outbound in the Thames.

(Photos by Paul Mason)

The preserved Cap San Diego and the new Oosterdam at Hamburg 

Inna Gusenkova with pilot boat departing from Cuxhaven

Lydia Oldendorff passing Cuxhaven

Nordjarl departing from Cuxhaven

The busy River Elbe!

(Photos by Chris Brooks)

German Tour - starting from Harwich and travelling on the DFDS recently chartered Duchess of Scandinavia and return the same route. 

A four night stay at Donners Hotel in Cuxhaven with day trips to Hamburg, for our usual five hour private harbour cruise, and also to Bremen/Bremerhaven

Another excellent trip with no problems in warm and sunny weather, with around 260 vessels noted during the trip. Cuxhaven is an ideal location for photography with an uninterrupted background.

The public cruises around Bremerhaven port and from Bremerhaven to Bremen were not too crowded, but it was sad to note the decline of Bremen as a major port with very little shipping to note. 

Some members also undertook a public cruise from Cuxhaven to Hamburg and it was pleasing to do again the journey that DFDS don't do anymore into the centre of the port.

The hotel was also very good with views over the river, especially from the sixth floor restaurant, and was just a short walk away from the riverside.

A repeat of the successful Princess Pocahontas seven hour private Thames and Medway cruise including buffet lunch. 

A day in total contrast with the previous trip this year. Good weather and numerous ship movements, about 15 in total, plus four vessels anchored off Southend including the bulk carrier Balticland and the ro-ro Seahawk.

The Medway was especially busy with five movements, including the container ships Lykes Explorer and HSH Ubin and the bulk carrier Yeoman Bontrup. 

A very good day with probably more activity than we have seen in recent years.

HSH Ubin and Lykes Explorer underway in the Medway

Navion Scandia in the Thames

Balticland and Seahawk in Southend anchorage

(Photos by Chris Brooks)

Anglian Way at Ipswich (Photo by Chris Brooks)

A full container port at Felixstowe (Photo by Chris Brooks)

Members on the Thistle during the cruise. (Photo by Paul Mason)

A new venture - a five hour private cruise on the Thames sailing barge Thistle departing from Ipswich Docks and covering Harwich and Felixstowe.

Despite the bad weather forecast, all turned up on time and the weather was fine with no rain and little wind. Ipswich Docks produced some seven coastal vessels and other local craft.

For the container ship enthusiasts, Felixstowe Container terminal was more or less full.

In addition there were three ferries and one bulk carrier at Harwich. A very good day out with thanks to Topsail Charters and our Stephen Marginson for the organisation.

Another repeat - this time of the successful six hour private Solent cruise onboard the Ocean Scene. Departing from Ocean Village at midday, covering the River Itchen, Southampton Docks, Fawley and Hamble plus Portsmouth Docks. With a buffet lunch included.

Another good day out although a few members unable to attend through illness etc.

The weather remained fine throughout but although there were quite a few vessels in Southmpton and Fawley there was not too much on the move.

Kapitonas Simkus at Southampton.

Mont St Michel departing from Portsmouth

(Photos by Chris Brooks)

As has now become a tradition, the TSS took a table (number 20) at this year's show at Westminster Central Hall. Several committee members were in attendance to answer questions and pass the time of day talking ships.

Three new members signed up on the day and a great deal of interest was shown in the leaflets we produced, hopefully producing some more members when the leaflets are read in full at home. Some twenty five or so TSS members came to say 'hello' at the stand.

In co-operation with our friends on the Shieldhall, we took some places on their "Welcome to Queen Mary 2" cruise on the liners first arrival in Southampton, direct from the builders yard in France.

Despite the weather not being too good, the members who attended had an enjoyable and memorable cruise on the Shieldhall to greet the QM2.

The Queen Mary 2 arriving for the first time at Southampton

(Photo by Paul Mason)