22 Feb 09 - Middlesbrough/Hartlepool

23rd February 2009

Well, as work on finishing off the ship photographs from last summer has currently stalled due an enthusiasm failure, a visit to our friends in Hartlepool on Sun 22 Feb provided a welcome change. My photographic aims for the day were twofold, first to try to get some sort of photograph of Clemenceau awaiting breaking at Able’s yard in Seaton, and secondly to photograph the two container ships currently laid up in Middlesbrough. The primary aim was a complete failure but the secondary aim was achieved. I had hoped to see Clemenceau arriving but that had turned out to be impossible. Knowing the layout of the Able yard, I had anticipated that Clemenceau would simply be berthed alongside of, and outside, the four former USN ships from the James River reserve fleet. Unfortunately, for reasons that I can’t fathom, the outer two US ships had been moved and Clemenceau had been berthed between the two groups. That was difficult enough, but work is also in progress in dismantling a rig, and large chunks of its structure are piled up around the dock. The result was that there was no clear line of sight that allowed anything more than a tiny part of Clemenceau’s bows to be photographed. Only time will tell whether future movements will eventually provide an unobstructed view of the ship before she is finally dismantled. The two container ships laid up at Middlesbrough proved to be an altogether easier proposition. A short diversion from the A19 took us down to the Riverside Stadium where there were absolutely no problems with access or the light. I was also pleased to discover that a short walk along the riverbank led to a clear view of Clarence Wharf and also permitted a long range shot of the Cargo Fleet Wharf. Shortage of time meant that I had to pass up on AB Liverpool that was alongside Irvine’s Quay in Hartlepool but, after lunch, a quick visit to the Power Station sands resulted in a few new sightings. The final total for the day was 7 new ships (including some long distance crap in the anchorage) and the fresh air was very beneficial.

Cala Positano	Cala Positano	Cala Positano	Cala Portofino
Cala Portofino	Tarco Sea	Volantis	The Headland, Hartlepool
Sten Idun	Sten Idun	Sten Idun	Sten Idun