Thursday 21 May 2015

Queen Mary 2 Departs Greenock with Fireworks


The Cunard cruise ship 'Queen Mary 2' departed Greenock last night with a send off from the local townsfolk - and a few fireworks.

Her visit was part of Cunard's 175 Anniversary Cruise and she's now bound for Oban.

It was good to see so many packing the Greenock Esplanade - more so with the forecast of rain.

Very fortunate that the rain stayed away on the night.

A moving vessel proves a tricky situation with long exposures to capture the fireworks, so not ideal for photographers.

If I'm candid it wasn't the most spectacular display I've attended, but I've attempted to make the most of what was available.

 Preparing to Depart

 Night Sky Lights Up

 Townsfolk Take in the Spectacle

 Moving off the Berth

 Sky Lights Up

 Colourful

 Well on Her Way

Oban Bound

More images are available at - www.dougie-coull-photography.co.uk - better resolution and options to licence.

HMS Sutherland bound for Glasgow


HMS Sutherland arrived on the Clyde this afternoon and made her way up to Shieldhall in Glasgow.

She was escorted by the tugs 'Bruiser' and 'Battler'.

 Bruiser Leads the Way

 Passing Great Harbour

Approaching Port Glasgow

Nice to get a Wave


Passing Port Glasgow

 Swinging on her way to Glasgow

Passing Close

More images are available at - www.dougie-coull-photography.co.uk - better resolution and options to licence.

Saga Pearl II - Inchgreen Quay


We had the 'Saga Pearl II' arrive in Greenock again this morning as part of her cruise schedule.

Her visit was perhaps a bit overshadowed as she arrived just before the QM2.

However she carried on upriver and berthed at the Inchgreen Repair Quay - and I can't recall a cruise ship berthing there previously. Certainly not in recent years.

It's been suggested that perhaps 'Uganda' did in the 60's - but not that I personally remember.

The tugs 'Svitzer Milford' and 'Battler' escorted and berthed her at the quay.

Arriving off Gourock


 Passing Greenock Esplanade


 Negotiating the Garvel Bend


 Passing Great Harbour


 Tugs Escorting


 Few Passengers on Deck


 'Battler' Working Hard


 'Svitzer Milford' Takes the Stern


Final Berthing at the Quay


 Safely Berthed

Replenishment Time

More images are available at - www.dougie-coull-photography.co.uk - better resolution and options to licence.

Queen Mary 2 Returns


The Cunard cruise ship Queen Mary 2 arrived this morning having travelled from Dublin overnight.

Her last visit to Greenock was in 2013.

Later tonight there will be a firework display as she departs the Ocean Terminal at around 22:00.

Rounding from Dunoon

Arriving off Gourock


 Passing Gourock


Arrives at Greenock Esplanade


 Off Greenock Esplanade

About to Cant of Greenock Ocean Terminal

More images are available at - www.dougie-coull-photography.co.uk - better resolution and options to licence.