When two Sotonians meet, inevitably they will start talking about ships. The Port is a big part of our culture and important to those born here. However the majority of people living here are not from Southampton. They never even get to see the Port of Southampton, unless they love sailing, go on a ferry or cruise, study at the University’s Oceanography Centre or work at the Docks. So like trainspotters, if an interest is shown, the shipping conversation will delve into anything from tonnage the state of boiler rooms. So hopefully not being too big a bore, here is my experience of our wonderful Port vistors in 2015:
Bramble Bank is a shallow area between Southampton shipping lanes and a cricket match takes place there on Boxing Day at low tide and in August.
Hoegh Osaka is one of the worlds largest container ships at 51,000 tonnes. Last January it had to ground itself deliberately on Bramble Bank in Southampton Waters when it got into difficulties after loading 1,400 new luxury vehicles from the Port of Southampton. Hoegh Osaka also made it to the BBC’s Year in Pictures for 2015: http://www.bbc.com/news/in-pictures-35102257.
In March, the Queen officially launched the P&O cruise ship Britannia from Southampton. in May the crowds came to see Cunard’s three Queens: Victoria, Elizabeth 2 and Mary 2 all set sail together from Southampton – an event that was later repeated in Liverpool.
I’, amazed. I had no idea there was so much to see and do around the docks. Not being a sailor, even a week-end one, I don’t haunt port waters, and I don’t like cruising (apart from river cruising), but having seen your photographs I realize what I’m missing.
Love your pics about the walls and town quay though. I have lots of pics re: walk the walls and the D Day wall and haven’t got around to posting them. Great to know that there is a kindred spirit who has similar interests.
A wonderful insight into a busy port, and magnificent images. My Grandparents used to live opposite Falmouth Harbour and I spent my childhood Summers watching the ships coming in and leaving.
Loved the cricket match. Cunard has ships come in here but only for a day. it is weird to walk along a street near the Cunard dock and suddenly see a huge ship sitting there. Really interesting post.
I hear that there is a big connection with Hampshire and your area and that we have similar accents. I know about your Cunard dock, The Titanic story and apparantlty many people from my area emigrated to yours to work on oil skin coat reproduction. I would love to see photos of ships in your port.
Stunning pictures and “events”. Absolutely adored the cricket match!
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Yes so quintessentially British. That one courtesy of a Royal Southern Yachtclub member and not one of mine.
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Great shots, Sol
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There’s something about big ships …
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Yes isn’t there? Better in real life though. When I take anyone with me they are usually overwhelmed by their size.
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I’, amazed. I had no idea there was so much to see and do around the docks. Not being a sailor, even a week-end one, I don’t haunt port waters, and I don’t like cruising (apart from river cruising), but having seen your photographs I realize what I’m missing.
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Yep take your camera along. I find all ports exciting. I like the atmosphere of them in any country.
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Although I live in and blog about Southampton I rarely get down to the docks. Great photos.
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Love your pics about the walls and town quay though. I have lots of pics re: walk the walls and the D Day wall and haven’t got around to posting them. Great to know that there is a kindred spirit who has similar interests.
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A wonderful insight into a busy port, and magnificent images. My Grandparents used to live opposite Falmouth Harbour and I spent my childhood Summers watching the ships coming in and leaving.
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Oh! I have passed by Falmouth and took photos a few years ago. Sadly these were the ones that I lost on iPhoto when I upgraded.
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Oh that’s a shame, but we have our experiences.
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I miss the ships now that I’ve moved office. I used to be on the eighth floor near the Itchen Bridge and could see them from my desk.
Lovely pictures as always.
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But at least you can park now? I used to work from the top of telephone house and loved the comings and goings of liners.Thanks for your compliments.
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Loved the cricket match. Cunard has ships come in here but only for a day. it is weird to walk along a street near the Cunard dock and suddenly see a huge ship sitting there. Really interesting post.
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I hear that there is a big connection with Hampshire and your area and that we have similar accents. I know about your Cunard dock, The Titanic story and apparantlty many people from my area emigrated to yours to work on oil skin coat reproduction. I would love to see photos of ships in your port.
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Brilliant photos. 🙂
Thank you for sharing them.
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This was so fun to see! Great photos! It boggles the mind how big those ships are.
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