Bonga fever hits Tyneside

[tynesman]

Just incase any of you regulars happen to be going up the east coast towards the river Tyne I suggest you do not try it this week at night.
The "Bonga"(wonderfull name) all 300,000 tonne of it is floating around the north sea under tow and you would not want to run into it and damage it!
Seriosly this monster is due off the Tyne this week and I understand it is one of the Largest vessels ever to enter a UK port,
Bonga fever has hit Tyneside as it will be quite a sight when it does comes enter the Tyne (it has been floating around the north sea for a couple of weeks until the weather conditions are perfect even before they try and bring it any where near a port).
The port authority has been planning for months how they will get it upriver,if it does not go around the first bend by the fish quay it will be the eighth wonder of the world and worse stop me getting out to sea,but those gordies know what they are doing.
The fever is now so bad that you can visit the bonga web site, take a look and see just how big this baby is!
www.bbc.co.uk/tyne/features/2002/10/bonga.shtml
PS There is an exclution zone in force around the tow,and the river Tyne will be closed to all boats/shipping when it comes in hopefully in the next few days.
However just to finish off, everyone will be pleased to note it will be about another 20,000 tonne bigger when it sail!


Happy sailing

Tynesman

 

[PerlMac]

What exactly is a Bonga?? Whilst I am writing, as an exiled Geordie, how far up the Tyne can you navigate in a motor cruiser? North & South Tyne??

 

[tr7v8]

The giant oil and gas production platform is returning to the North East coast after taking refuge in the sea off Holland.
The journey from South Korea to Tyneside has taken almost four months, with the Bonga travelling at an average speed of 5 knots - similar to a walking pace.
The Bonga is 300 metres long, 75 metres wide and the height of a 12-storey building.
It will eventually be capable of producing 225,000 barrels of oil per day.


Jim
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[ccscott49]

As far as big platforms go and it's a floating production unit, it's a tiddler!

 

[ccscott49]

As far as big platforms go and it's a floating production unit/storage unit not a platform, it's a tiddler!

 

[sonarbell]

Where abouts on the Tyne are you based. Just moved up from the midlands and wondering where to put my Boat.

 

[tynesman]

Re: Sonarbell reply

I live in Stourbridge,but also have a house in South Shields.
Iwas born on the Tyne so I know the river backwards,Do not consider St Peters marina,cheaper yes,wait till you try and enter the marina in wind! and not as nice as Royal Quays.
My boat (RLM 27) has been at Royal Quays marina for the last three years,and no problems,you can go in and out 24hrs/day without problem.
I would say 50% Sail 50% motor, diesel on site,Crest Nicholson have a web site for more detail.
You can e-mail me for more info at mnewby@generalkinematics.co.uk

Happy sailing

Tynnesman

 

[tynesman]

Re: Perlmac reply

I have had my motor boat (RLM 27) based at Royal Quays marina North Shields for the last three years.
At about 8-10 knots it's about an hours nice cruise upriver to Newcastle Quay.
From Newwcastle you can cruise up river for at least another hour but keeping an eye on the depth. maybe further I have not tried the limit.
From Royal Quay downriver it's 15 minutes and your out of the Tyne piers,South in a days cruising you have Sunderland,and Hartlepool (both with marinas, North you have Blyth,and Amble(both with marina,North and South you have a lot of bays.
Just make sure your sounder is working and gps.

Happy sailing

Tynesman

 

[frilaens]

I'm back home in Durham this Christmas so I'm looking forward to a trip to the Baltic and the Bongo! Can you recommend any sail makers, chandlers or boat shops in the Newcastle area?

Andy

 

[Danthegorrila]

Stora Marine by the Baltic Mill has a fair chandlry with a mix of big boat and dinghy stuff, they started as sailmakers and are still doing this although I have no experince of their work.

They do Trident clothing and my dry suit by them is one of the best bits of kit I have.

NB The way I have spet Stora does not look right but I'm sure you'll find it. The RYA North east have agood web site with loads of info.

PB

 

[Guest]

I'm currently sitting aboard the "Sea Eagle" another FPSO offshore West Africa. I will hopefully be working aboard the Bonga (Bonga field) when it arrives on station sometime next year. Small world eh?

 

[ArthurWood]

It looks like those ships which ply the Great Lakes; it's the same length, but wider, much wider!

 

[vyv_cox]

Very small. I have been providing some technical input to the power generation gas turbines on Bonga.

 

[tynesman]

Re: Frilaens reply

You can also try Trident marine in Gateshead (near the millinium bridge) on the river side,good helpfull service,also has chandlry at Royal quays marina North Shields,Storra also do good job,I have used both.


Happy sailing

Tynesman