
Yesterday, I promised I would write about the Cumbrian Fisher. Apparently, she is on loan to the MOD. It’s nearly always berthed next to Gosport Marina, slowly discharging her cargo in to the holds of other ships. Every so often she leaves port to refuel. I’d noticed last week that she wasn’t at her normal station.
When I arrived at the ferry, it was in time to see a tug come in through the harbour entrance. As the nose of the ship came in, I realised it was the Cumbrian Fisher. I wondered how they were going to work it, take it up to the turning circle, I didn’t think the tugs would turn here on the spot, but that’s what they did, and then pushed her sideways on into the berth. Fascinating to watch, the skills of the tug drivers is exceptional. On Twitter, I follow Tug Master Lloyd (@Towing_man) who is a tug driver. I’ve asked him if there is a word in the industry for the process of marshalling a ship.
A very interesting period in the morning.