Quaysides

Benelux break October 2009

Part 4

Terneuzen / Ghent Canal / Zeebrugge

Our final day soon arrived, the plan being to stay at Terneuzen until late morning then venture up the canal
towards Ghent before spending time at Zeebrugge before the ferry home. The weather forecast wasn't too
good again and the day started grey and overcast.

First across our lenses was the "Winona" heading for the canal - we had seen her in Dunkirk on our first morning but
were unable to get photos of her then. She was originally to be the "Vermontborg" but grounded while being towed to
Holland for completion in 2003.

Next arriving for the canal was the Yorkshire Dry dock built "River Trader". Built as "Hoo Beech" in 1989
she had only recently re-entered service after being laid up when Lapthorns ceased trading.

We had had the "Fast-Ann" arrive from upriver for the canal, the fourth vessel to arrive to lock in was the
Maltese coaster "Katre". All four vessel were in the basin for a while waiting for the locks to be free.

The first large vessel of the day was the "Hoegh Dubai", a Panama registered vehicle carrier built
in 2004 as "Hual Dubai".

Outward bound a short while later the LPG tanker "Maingas".

Returning back to the tug station the "Braakman" at speed then slowing down for the entrance.

A further arrival for the canal, the Strahlmann managed "Alesia" was built in 2008.

Next outward the British flagged Sietas built "K-Ocean" dates from 1998.

At this point there were a few vessels off Vlissingen so we decided to have a quick look in the canal area
to see what we could get before they arrived.

Berthed along the canal the Swedish flagged ro/ro forest products carrier "Transfighter" was built in 2001.

Loading a cargo bound for Redcar, the Swedish bulk carrier "Credo" is quite distinctive with her stylised funnel.

Returning back to the riverfront in time to catch the outward bound tanker "Amarant", the weather starting to brighten up.

Finally, a vessel in almost sunlight! The Cardiff registered "Stolt Guillemot" passes inward.

She was closely followed by the "Mississauga Express" of Hapag-Lloyd.

Winning no awards for beauty, next inwards the large container/ro/ro vessel "Atlantic Compass",
one of several of this class in the ACL consortium.

Arriving for the canal, the local dredger "Swalinge" always looks very tidy, if not a little
cluttered with the dredging gear on the deck.

Making a slow approach for the lock at Terneuzen, the "Cape Bilbao" was the first large vessel
we saw arrive for the canal.

This was also an opportunity to get another local tug, the "Gent" working the stern of "Cape Bilbao".

Sailing from the canal in better light than arriving, the 2008 built "Australis".

Heading out from the tug station, better views now taken of the "Multratug 11".

At this point we decided to change the plan and head further up the canal to the steelworks
to see what we could get, then to return to Terneuzen before heading for Zeebrugge later.

Berthed in a dock off the canal at Sluiskil, the Dutch registered coaster "Arklow Venture".

Moving South of Zelzate we approached the steelworks. Berthed here was the "Winona" photographed earlier
and two large bulk carriers. Nearest was the "F.D. Gennaro Aurilia" built in 2007.

Berthed ahead of her, the "Oinoussian Lady" had been seen the day before anchored off Terneuzen
being lightened into barges. Unfortunately due to canal bank works we were very restricted for the bow view.

We then started to head back to Terneuzen but soon had trouble. As we crossed the border back into Holland and
entered Sas van Gent we were waved down by the police. During some roadworks a gas main had been damaged
and the road was now closed - we had to turn back into Belgium and cross the canal at Zelzate and take the road
up the Eastern side. We were then stopped at the border for a routine check!

As we headed back to Terneuzen we spotted a large vessel outward and hoped we could make it back in time.
Fortunately she had to hold for an inward vessel and we managed to get these views of the 1981 built
bulk carrier "Stefania" in the canal.

Again, an opportunity for another local tug, this time the "Zeebrugge".

Sunshine!! Just at the right time to get the Hessle built "Multratug 6" on the bow of "Stefania".

They were waiting for the inward Italian tanker "Mariella Bottiglieri" to clear the lock. As soon as she was
moving the "Stefania" set off, both vessels passing very close to each other at a fair rate of knots!

Moving down to the riverfront and more views of "Stefania" sailing...

... and the "Multratug 6" at speed heading back to the base.

The time to leave was approaching fast, as were two container ships. The first was the "MSC Asli" with
quite a distinctive style to her.

The final vessel at Terneuzen was the "MSC England" outward bound.

As we headed off to Zeebrugge, the weather had the final word - the heavens opened with
torrential rain - we toured the docks but there was no chance of taking any photos. We were
soon in the queue for the "Pride of York" and amongst the first to drive on.

The last ship of the day, the "Scottish Viking" sailing for Rosyth in the heavy rain.

Thursday am.

The grey weather had followed us across the North sea and there was no chance of photography, even
at Hull the light was very poor.

"Pride of Rotterdam" had just berthed ahead of us as we approached King George dock.

In Queen Elizabeth dock, the "Athanasios G. Callitsis" was loading scrap.

The "Vigoroso" was discharging at 7/8 sheds...

..while fleetmate "Risoluto" passed inward in the river.

Berthed at 7 quay, the "Lady Mostyn" was spotted back in service having laid unused in Albert dock for quite some time.

Many thanks also to my travelling companion George who made the arrangements and did all the driving.