Unusual sight

[shanemax]

You do not see this very often on the Stour at 6pm today a London Barge being pushed from behind by a tug

 

[penfold]

They must be serious about it, that tug is designed for pushing. Unusual for the UK but a common practice in the US and elsewhere, maybe it will catch on.

 

[PeterBoater]

Fairly normal on the Thames. Note that the wheelhouse goes up and down; up to see over the barge and down for the bridges.

 

[penfold]

Fairly normal on the Thames. Note that the wheelhouse goes up and down; up to see over the barge and down for the bridges.

Interesting; presumably between the operator and PLA there's been some kind of agreement over COLREGs compliance, satisfying the rules while going under a bridge must be more or less impossible but there must be a workaround.

 

[johnalison]

Two a penny in the Netherlands, but always an impressive sight. I imagine they have forward-looking cameras to help out.

 

[bob the ancient mariner]

I saw them going upriver to Mistley, having been anchored in Parkeston anchorage, when we were at anchor in copperas bay , last week.being a retired Mistley/Harwich pilot I was most intrigued.

 

[shanemax]

I sat on a mooring between Mistley quay and Manningtree. I then passed the tug and Barge still loading and they came by me at Wrabness.

 

[shanemax]

I saw them going upriver to Mistley, having been anchored in Parkeston anchorage, when we were at anchor in copperas bay , last week.being a retired Mistley/Harwich pilot I was most intrigued.

Just out of interest do all ships travelling to mistley require a pilot. Correct me if I am wrong but I believe the twice daily ferries to Parkston can bring the ships in using their own captain

 

[ex-Gladys]

If no one on board is qualified as a pilot, then yes

The ferries captains will have qualified as pilots for both Parkeston and the Hook

 

[Aquaboy]

This appears to be a regular contract.....there a few weeks ago. I believe its railway ballast.

 

[shanemax]

If no one on board is qualified as a pilot, then yes

The ferries captains will have qualified as pilots for both Parkeston and the Hook

Thanks for the reply.

 

[sailorman]

I sat on a mooring between Mistley quay and Manningtree. I then passed the tug and Barge still loading and they came by me at Wrabness.

Wevlikevwrabness

 

[Habebty]

This appears to be a regular contract.....there a few weeks ago. I believe its railway ballast.

I'd be amazed if it is rail ballast. We produce enough of our own and usually to rail served depots like Whitemoor Cambs. by the 10,000t per week plus what is recycled there.