Another 5 day trip in N. Europe from Dunkerque to Kiel and back via Zeebrugge,Terneuzen, Antwerp & Rotterdam. Only 1 Bulker in Dunkerque and 1 Car Carrier in Zeebrugge. Loads of shipping passing and entering canal at Terneuzen. In my opinion, Antwerp is becoming quieter (too far from the sea?)
New(ish) docks on Western bank increasingly difficult to access mainly due to on-going construction works. Eastern docks still best viewed from near Boudewijnsluis (dock side)and Berendrechtsluis (river side)Anyone get any views of Delwaidedok? Is it me or are the companies/authorities doing their best to prevent photogrpahy by placing old unused containers just where we could get a decent shot?
Rotterdam was better with my usual place, the Smickel Inn on Maasmond where I met a Belgium-based UK enthusiast and we had a good discussion about shipping in general and ports visited. Again I chose a weekend so I could safely access Missouriweg; also drove the length of Beerweg on south side of Mississippihaven.
Went back to Rendsburg on the NOK but stayed on the South bank at the "Hotel Schutzenheim am Kanal" but it was not quite "am Kanal"! Might try the Kanal-cafe which appears to have rooms to let. Lunched on the N. bank at the "Bruckenterrassen" Good food, not too expensive and a great view albeit on the wrong side, However, the weather was poor so the sun was not an issue.
I have never haad much luck in Hamburg or Bremen so I might give the harbour tours a try next time.
Is there any point in visiting Wilhelmshaven or Emden? Any advice most welcome.
Back to Rotterdam and Antwerp then to Zeebrugge (sun in wrong direction for car carriers!)and Dunkerque for home.
970 photos taken of about 400 ships mostly too dark for submission but a couple of rarities.
Hope to do it all again in April 2016.