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.

Commonwealth Flotilla - Glasgow Bound

After many months of planning the Commonwealth Flotilla left the James Watt Dock this morning.

The vessels made their way to Customhouse Quay where they turned and lined up for the start.

Calmac's new ferry - MV Lochinvar - lead the way as they started their journey to Glasgow.

It's believed this is the largest flotilla ever to make this trip.

As you would expect there was a happy atmosphere around and they got a good send off from the crowd that turned up to cheer them on their way.


Final Vessels Departing the James Watt Dock Marina

Bound for the Start

 Big Screen

 Mustering at Customhouse Quay

Nice Bunting


Mustering Before the Start

 Happy Smiling Faces

Lochinvar with Cruiser and Clyde Clipper Lead the Flotilla 

A Busy Lochinvar

Waving and Happy Crew

Good Feel Event

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

Open Day on the MV Lochinvar

Caledonian MacBrayne very kindly arranged an open day aboard the hybrid ferry MV Lochinvar at Gourock Ferry Terminal

Having been at her launch this was a great opportunity to see how she had evolved to completion.

She is due to take part, along with over 250 vessels in the Commonwealth Flotilla from Greenock to Glasgow tomorrow.


MV Lochinvar

 The Bridge

Looking Down

 Looking Up

 Car Deck

 Below Decks

Captain on the Bridge 

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

River Clyde at Greenock

A nice busy spell on the Clyde at Greenock this afternoon.

Weather picked up too, a bonus at this time of year.

First I had the 'Neptune' on her way out, then up to the Garvel dock to catch the 'MV Lochinvar' as she exited.

Later in the day the 'MV Finlaggan' arrived before starting her annual maintenance at the Garvel Dry Dock.


Neptune Passing East India Harbour


Neptune Outward Bound


Lochinvar Exits the Garvel Dry Dock


Passing Greenock Ocean Terminal

Passing Through the Gap

 Crew Ready to Berth

Approaching the James Watt Dock

Safely in James Watt Dock

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

River Clyde Movements

I was out on my travels when I saw a nuclear submarine heading out to sea.

A bit of a push but just managed to get to Cloch lighthouse in time to catch her as she sped past.

Heading back home I saw Calmac's new ferry which is undergoing sea trial just now and managed to get a few images both in Gourock, and in Greenock.

Nuclear Submarine

Heading Out to Sea

Ferries in the Haze

Calmac's New Ferry

Deep in Discussion

MV Lochinvar

Bound for Port Glasgow

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