Argyll Flyer - Lift Out Operation

Calmac ferry Argyll Flyer was lifted from the James Watt Dock to the quayside this afternoon for maintenance work.

Preparation work

High and Dry

Lifting Begins

Cranes Doing Their Work

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

Ferguson Marine - preferred bidder for Ferries Contract

Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon visited Ferguson Marine at Port Glasgow this morning.

She toured the facility and engaged with the the workers showing a keen interest in the building of the current ferry on the slipway.

She then announced to the management and workers that they were the preferred bidder for the contract to build two new Caledonian MacBrayne ferries.

First  Minister Nicola Sturgeon arriving at Ferguson Marine Shipyard

 First  Minister Nicola Sturgeon engages with Workers

 Nicola Sturgeon and Yard Owner Jim McColl

Nicola Sturgeon Looks on as Welding Progresses

Welding in Progress

 Hats Off


Celebrating

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

Govan on the Clyde

Having completed the tour at Fairfields it was a short drive to catch the Govan Ferry across to the North of the river.

Keen to get some photos of the section of (HMS) Prince of Wales - the aircraft carrier currently  under construction.

The section will be moved by barge to Rosyth where it will be assembled with the other section being constructed.

Arranged to go down the river on a RHIB, and thankfully was blessed with a bit of sunshine.

Aboard the Govan Ferry

 Lower Block Section Numbered Four

Barge in Position

Loading Will Take Place Overnight


 Heading Back to Base


Costa del Clyde as the Sun Shines

 Glenlee Sailing Ship

Riverside Museum and the Glenlee 

View Across from the South Side 

 Old Govan Ferry

 St Mungo - Glasgow Fire Boat


Govan Ferry - "Ellens Isle"

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

MV Argyle Sailing Disrupted

Emergency services were called to the ferry terminal at Wemyss bay this afternoon when a turbocharger failed aboard the Calmac ferry MV Argyle.

Smoke was seen coming from the engine room but everything was dealt with by the vessel's crew.

The resulting delay caused some inconvenience to passengers.

The Royal Scotsman tour passengers missed their train as it departed from Gourock at 18:00 as per it's schedule.

They were later reunited with their fellow passengers later that evening.

The tugs Battler and Bruiser towed the MV Argyle to the James Watt Dock In Greenock for repair work.

 Passing the Greenock Ocean Terminal Inbound

Approaching the James Watt Dock

Entering James Watt Dock

Berthing after Tow

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

Greenock Docks

A bitter and windy day today but at least the sun was shining.

A few vessels exited the Garvel dry dock after noon, and the 'MV Saturn' re-entered the dry dock for some more TLC.

Later in the day the 'Stavros S Niarchos' departed the James Watt Dock and returned after successful sea trials.

'Sound of Soay' Heads for Sea Trials 

'MV Lochinvar' Heading in to James Watt Dock


 'Stavros S Niarchos' and 'SD Eva' pass on the Clyde

'MV Saturn' at Garvel Dry Dock


'MV Saturn' entering Garvel Dry Dock

 'Stavros S Niarchos' at James Watt Dock

 'Stavros S Niarchos'

'Stavros S Niarchos' canting at James Watt Dock

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

Lots Happening Around Greenock Docks Today

Today was always going to be busy on the River Clyde, and Greenock docks.

Started when I got the bulk carrier 'Panorea' as she passed Port Glasgow bound for Glasgow.

Then back home I caught the tanker 'Furenas' as she headed upriver to Rothesay Dock in Clydebank.

Then down to the docks and with thanks to the owner of 'MV Saturn' - Andrew - I got some shots as she left the Garvel dry dock and went around to the James Watt Dock to berth for more maintenance work.

The tall ship 'Stavros S Niarchos' completed the same short journey.

We also had tugs and the SEPA vessel 'Minna' arrive at the James Watt Dock.

A selection of images follows.

 Panoreas

 Furenas

 MV Saturn

Stavros S Niarchos

 MV Saturn

 Preparing to Exit

 Stavros in Dock

MV Saturn

MV Saturn

 Fishing Vessel 'Sordyroy' 

 Minna

 Clyde Pilot

Ayton Cross

 Crew Aboard the Stavros

Tug Assisting MV Saturn

Beaver Bay Towing MV Saturn 

 MV Saturn Wheelhouse

Clyde Marine Tugs

Minna

Stavros Exists the Garvel Dry Dock

Tugs Assisting the Stavros

 MV Saturn

MV Saturn

 Beaver Bay Towing MV Saturn

Beaver Bay Towing MV Saturn

From the Wheelhouse of MV Saturn

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