River Thames: Longstone
A roll on roll off cargo ship, Longstone, turning itself as it leaves Tilbury 2, a dedicated terminal on the River Thames.
Tilbury Docks is a short distance up river, but must be awkward to get to as it involves a sharp turn then a lock, then further manoeuvres once inside the dock complex.
Longstone was moored and unloaded/loaded facing up river so needed to turn before sailing back to "the continent" (repeat, repeat) and did so without aid of tugs. Larger ships like car carriers, which moor close by (and also outside the main docks) need help...
It looks to me as if Longstone has thrusters in its stern: who knows, it may have them in its bow, too. It can even sail backward, as it did so a short distance before turning. It'll return a.s.a.p. and as I upload this (9.28 am, 3 May 2025) is back at Tilbury 2 from Zeebrugge, Belgium. Very efficient !
River Thames: Longstone
A roll on roll off cargo ship, Longstone, turning itself as it leaves Tilbury 2, a dedicated terminal on the River Thames.
Tilbury Docks is a short distance up river, but must be awkward to get to as it involves a sharp turn then a lock, then further manoeuvres once inside the dock complex.
Longstone was moored and unloaded/loaded facing up river so needed to turn before sailing back to "the continent" (repeat, repeat) and did so without aid of tugs. Larger ships like car carriers, which moor close by (and also outside the main docks) need help...
It looks to me as if Longstone has thrusters in its stern: who knows, it may have them in its bow, too. It can even sail backward, as it did so a short distance before turning. It'll return a.s.a.p. and as I upload this (9.28 am, 3 May 2025) is back at Tilbury 2 from Zeebrugge, Belgium. Very efficient !