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Thursday, 8 August 2024

HMS MERMAID


 HMS Mermaid F76 built at Yarrows Scotstoun on the Clyde, originally laid down as Black Star for Ghana but the order was cancelled in 1966.

She was eventually commissioned by the Royal Navy in 1973,decommisioned in 19737and was transferred to the Malaysian navy, renamed KD Hangtuah.

While with the Royal Navyshe was involved in an unfortunate collision with the minesweeper HMS Fittleton during a NATO exercise that resulted in the Fittleton's sinking and the deaths of a number of the RNR crew. The Mermaid was used to protect UK trawlers during one of the Cod Wars with Iceland in the 1970s over fishing rights. The frigate and the Icelandic gunboat Baldur came into close contact on the high seas.

Wednesday, 7 August 2024

Simon Princess





 Simon Princess (Ex. Grampian Pioneer), Standby Pioneer) was commissioned in 1981 as a standby vessel for the North-Sea oil industry, operated by a UK shipping company. This was the occupation until 2015, when she was flagged to Norway and underwent a complete renovation, becoming a specialized and modern vessel for the aquaculture industry.

Photographed at Garvell dry dock Greenock.

Regal Princes










Regal Princess is a Royal-class cruise ship operated by Princess Cruises, a subsidiary of Carnival Corporation & plc, and is the second ship to sail for the cruise line under this name. Regal Princess, as well as her sister ship Royal Princess, were ordered on 17 February 2010 from Fincantieri and were constructed at the Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy, and debuted in 2014

MV Loch Shira







 MV Loch Shira at JWD on the 6 August after spending  several months at Troon dry dock were she was having new ramps fitted.

Tuesday, 6 August 2024

SD Moorfowl



 SD MOORFOWL (IMO: 8807959) is a Offshore Supply Ship and is sailing under the flag of United Kingdom. Her length overall (LOA) is 37.75 meters and her width is 11.9 meters.

Photographed at Garvell drydock

Monday, 5 August 2024

Troon Harbour



 Curious harbour seal having a look at visitors .

Sunday, 4 August 2024

PS Maid of the LOch




 PS Maid of the Loch is the last paddle steamer built in the United Kingdom. She operated on Loch Lomond for 29 years and as of 2022 is being restored near Balloch pier.