HMS Queen Elizabeth - First Clyde Visit

Picking up on my Blog after a long absence.

Very early start this morning to ensure I was in good positions to get shoreside images.

Light couldn't have been better making things more enjoyable.

Berthing at Glen Mallan Jetty

Approaching Glen Mallan

Approaching Cove

Passing Innellan

Passing Cloch Lighthouse

Tugs in Attendance

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

TS Queen Mary Heads for the Garvel Dry Dock

TS Queen Mary was today towed to the Garvel Dry Dock where she will receive some much needed TLC.

It's a credit to those who have pursued this dream over many years, and all credit to them for their efforts.

A fair crowd gathered to witness the event and many cameras were clicking away to record the event.

Here are a few of my efforts for those who either couldn't manage, or live too far away.

 The Short Journey Begins

Towing from the James Watt Dock

Leaving James Watt Dock with Well Wishers on the Quay

Pilot and Dale's Staff


Edging Out


'Biter' Takes the Bow in Tow

Canting off Greenock

Steady Pull

Beginning the Entry to the Garvel Dry Dock

Inching Her Way In 

Almost There

Soon be Secured

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

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.

HMS Forth - Heads to Fitting Out After Launch

The (HMS) Forth departed the KGV docks today having been floated off the barge yesterday.

She was towed to Yarrow's dock and will be there for around seven months while she is fitted out.

She will then begin sea trials.


First Taste of the River


Making Her Way Downriver


Tugs Escorting

Passing Braehead

On Her Way

Pilot and Yard Workers

 Entering Yarrow's Dock

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

HMS Forth Departs Govan

The (HMS) Forth departed the BAE yard in Govan today and is now in KGV docks where she will be non-dynamically launched via the barge.

After the launch she will eventually be towed to Scotstoun for fitting out prior to sea trials.

 (HMS) Medway Under Construction

(HMS) Forth Awaits Her Departure


Awaiting Instructions


Bruiser Lining Up


 Helicopter Overflies the Scene

CMS Warrior Stands Off

 Activity Begins


Tugs Starting to Prepare for the Tow

Soon be on the Move 

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.

HMS Ambush Returns

HMS Ambush arriving home to Scotland for repairs following her collision off Gibraltar.

She made her way up Loch Long to Coulport where she will undergo inspection before repair work begins.

Significant damage to her tower was sustained when she surfaced and struck a tanker.

She is in a safe condition and the crew are all well.

Tugs Assist Entering Loch Long

Damaged Tower

HMS Ambush

 Making Her Way Up Loch Long

Almost at Coulport

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