Port of London over the last 50 years. Part 1

Watson, Geoffrey Howard2020

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Summary

A lot of passenger/cruise ships visit the Port of London, either as part of a cruise or for a special purpose such as a naming ceremony. Depending on the size of ship they can either berth alongside HMS Belfast in the Upper Pool of London, or at the moorings just below Tower Bridge (lower pool) or at George’s Stair’s tier which is mostly for yachts or vessels up to 110 metres in length. Further down river there is Greenwich ship tier which can accommodate vessels up to 228 metres in length. Larger vessels berth at London International Cruise Terminal, which is in Gravesend Reach just outside Tilbury Dock. Often visits are made by ships being used for humanitarian causes such as mission ships & peace boats. Some of the ships have had long and varied careers and where possible photographs have been added showing the different guises for comparison, some completely changed beyond recognition. Quite often planning for a cruise ships' visit takes place long before the vessel is completed. You need to be certain the vessel will pass through the Woolwich Barrier (if berthing at Greenwich or further upriver). The Viking Star had meticulous planning long before arrival.Merchant ships often make one off visits for promotional purposes or to attend commemorative events. The owners of the MPI Resolution being a case in point where they wanted Tower Bridge in the background for their literature and to showcase the vessel to potential interested parties and local dignitaries. London is also a popular port of call for ships undertaking educational or training cruises, some making an annual appearance. Tall ships also like to visit London and tend to berth at South Quay, West India Dock, close to Canary Wharf.From time to time new equipment arrives on specialised vessels such as the Zhen Hua 23, or old equipment removed by Heavy lift vessels such as the HHL Tokyo.Warships of all nationalities make appearances for commemorative events, or to attend defence exhibitions such as the Iroquois seen inbound for the ExCel Centre in the former Royal Docks. The Indian warship Tarkash had been undertaking exercises with the Royal Navy and arrived in the City for what was termed - an economic and cultural exchange. Warships due to pay off like to make a farewell visit and HMS Illustrious is a prime example. Pilotage is compulsory in the Port of London for vessels over a certain size with the exchange of river pilot to sea pilot (or vice versa) taking place usually in Gravesend Reach as can be seen in the photograph of HMS Kent departing following a courtesy visit.