Outbound from the River Clyde

The submersible barge 'Dina Launcher' departed Glasgow today and headed to sea.

Her work of launching HMS Forth having been completed she moves on to the next task.

She was being towed by the 'Stadt Aardal' on the bow, and 'CMS Warrior' at the stern.

The 'Warrior' will only go as far as Greenock.

Passing Langbank

Approaching Port Glasgow

 Passing Port Glasgow

 Outbound

Heading to Sea

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

Submersible Barge in Tow

The submersible barge 'Dina Launch' on her tow to BAE Systems in Govan.

She was ably assisted by the 'Stadt Sloevaag' on the bow, and 'CMS Warrior' at the stern.

Thankfully the weather was kind till she had passed.

 Approaching Clydebank

Passing Clydebank

 Norwegian Tug 'Stadt Sloevaag'

 Friendly Waves

 Monitoring the Tow

Passing the River Cart


Bound for BAE in Govan 

'CMS Warrior' Takes the Stern

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

TS Queen Mary Returns Home

Today we witnessed the return of the Scottish steamship TS Queen Mary.

She had left Tilbury Docks on Thursday and was ably towed north by the tug Venture.

Built by Denny of Dumbarton in 1933 she saw more than 40 years service including taking families and  passengers 'doon the watter' on trips from Glasgow to destinations such as Dunoon, Rothesay, Millport and Arran.

Enthusiastic crowds lined the coast to catch a glimpse as she made her way home.

She was in her original configuration of twin funnels. She had for a time only one funnel after conversion work, but I think it's fitting she now has two again.

She is now berthed in the James Watt Dock in Greenock for some TLC.

The plan is to eventually berth her near the Finnieston Crane in Glasgow where she will be an attraction and reminder of days gone by.

Watching her make her way upriver - to the older generation like myself - was like taking a step back in time.

Passing Dunoon

 Tug Venture

 Tug Bruiser

 Arriving at James Watt Dock

 Looking Majestic as any Queen

 Volunteers and Workers

 Twin Funnels

 Approaching the  Dock Entrance

 Canting Before Entering the Dock

Stern First 

 In James Watt Dock

Moving to Berth

Almost Home

Safely Berthed

Tug Venture Departs

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

Final Piece of the Jigsaw

The final piece of the aircraft carrier - (HMS) Prince of Wales - left Govan today and is now heading to Rosyth.

This is the Aft Island section.

Ayton Cross took the bow of the barge with CMS Warrior taking the stern.

The Esvagt Connector followed on and she took over the tow at Greenock to continue the journey.

I stopped off at Ferguson Marine where the new Calmac ferry will be launched tomorrow morning.


Passing Langbank


Approaching Port Glasgow


Sea Going Tug Esvagt Connector


Esvagt Connector


All the Tugs


Passing Port Glasgow


CMS Warrior


Heading Downriver


Bound for Greenock


Final Preparations for Tomorrow's Launch


Taking the Strain


Stern View


Heading to Sea

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

CMS Warrior

CMS Warrior arrived at her home port of Greenock last Saturday in blustery wind and rain.

I was given an opportunity to see around her when things were a bit calmer.

She is operated by Clyde Marine Services and is a welcome addition to the Clyde Port.

My thanks to the crew - and it has to be said they operate under severe and dangerous circumstances at times, but obviously love their work.

She has a few jobs scheduled already for later in the week and I'm sure she will be a busy tug on the Clyde.

I hope you enjoy the visual tour.

Arriving Last Week

 Galley

Forward Engine Room

 Aft Engine Room

Wheelhouse

Room with a View

 Looking from the Stern

 Bow Work Area

Galley

Control Panel


Looking Through the Main Cabin Area

On Deck

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