2015 – Passing the Port

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 cricket match August  2015 (Royal Southern Yacht Club)

Hoegh Osaka leaning on Bramble Bank in The Solent in January 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.

In March, I went to see The Queen officially launch the P&O cruise ship Britannia from Southampton where the ship is registered. At the time she was the world’s biggest cruise ship, but there is fast-paced race on as to who can build the biggest cruise ship, so this may be overpassed now.

Royal Caribean’s Anthem of the Seas was launched in April. She moors regularly between Dock Gates 8-10 and can be viewed from the town walls from West Quay.

Anthem of the Seas viewed from Forest View, Southampton. The building on the right belongs to Royal Caribbean

Four vessel virgins set sail from our coast in May. The three Cunard Queens: Victoria, Elizabeth 2 and Mary 2 all set sail together. Anthem of the Seas passes them first to quite a bit of horn-blowing and flag waving.

Getting ready for a good view of the three Cunard Queens sailing. May 2015

Queen Mary 2 dwarfing The Calshot Spit

In July I enjoyed an interesting day out on Enterprise with top researchers from Southampton University’s Oceanography Department

The Calshot Spit

Hoegh Target is the world’s largest car transporter with deck space the size of 10 football pitches and able to carry enough vehicles for a 26-mile traffic jam. She called to see us in August.

Some giant pleasure boats also arrived for the Southampton Boat Show in September 2015

P&O’s Azura at Ocean Terminal, Autumn 2015

Ships as big as blocks of flats

Oceana

Old and new tie alongside each other.

SS Shieldhall is a working heritage steam ship. During Heritage week she offered free cruises around the Solent. http://www.cruisesouthampton.com/markers/ss-shieldhall

 

Sarah Harrison Band plays on board SS Sheildhall as part of a free music in unusual places festival in Southampton. October 2015 © Southampton Old Lady

And our regular Red Funnel ferries shuttling back and forth from the Isle of Wight

 

January 2, 2016 by southamptonoldlady Categories: boat, Britain, Docks, Europe, Festivals, Photo Art, Ships, Southampton, UKTags: boat, bon voyage, Britain, England, ocean liners, photography, Port, Ship, Southampton, Southampton Water, town quay 18 Comments