ShipSpotting.com Forum
Shipspotters all over the world => Shipping News and information => Topic started by: Robert J Smith on July 17, 2018, 09:54:18 AM
-
Ex: RFA Gold Rover is being moved to Fountain Lake Jetty in Portsmouth today, is she going for scrap?
Any connection with the Cypriot tug Artemis with ETA Portsmouth later today?
-
ARTEMIS (IMO 8321591) a bit behind her ETA - just entering English Channel north of Brittany. But she appears to be towing fleet-mate cable-laying barge ATALANTI (IMO 8661616), which is showing a more realistic ETA 19 Jul 2018 12:00. They have both come from Eleusis. But why Portsmouth?
-
Maybe ARTEMIS/ATALANTI have something to do with the IFA 2 Project connecting electricity from France to Great Britain as there is presently activity in the area involving the ships CHARTWELL, H M DENHAM and STOUR. (http://ifa2interconnector.com/the-project/)
There is a tug AMBER II (IMO 9425423) which has just recently left Aliaga bound for Portsmouth forecasted to arrive 6 August, so maybe this could be something to do with Gold Rover's move to Fountain Lake Jetty, unless someone knows anything more!!
-
Well spotted, if I had zoomed in I would have seen the Atalanti as well :)
Amber II sounds promising
-
AMBER II is towing Wightlink's new ferry VICTORIA OF WIGHT from Cemre Shipyard, Turkey to Portsmouth.
Brgds
-
Thanks Phil regarding the new IOW ferry I wondered when that was going to arrive so something to look forward to. So have to wait and see what happens with GOLD ROVER now as when they berth them at FLJ after being laid up at Fareham Creek they usually are waiting to be towed out.
-
Continuing the detour from the subject, I have heard that the tug AMBER II towing VICTORIA OF WIGHT will end her tow in the St Helens anchorage where local tugs will escort her into Portsmouth Harbour. Can this be confirmed?
Still showing ETA as 6th August
Victoria of Wight delivery info
http://www.cruiseandferry.net/articles/wightlink-prepares-to-welcome-first-hybrid-battery-ferry
Regards
Bob
-
Southampton VTS will only show pilot movements for the 6th in a few days time. But it seems likely that if weather is suitable, transfer where there is plenty of searoom to the more manoeuvrable small tugs would be preferable. AMBER II would not be able to berth her in Camber Docks, I think.
-
Thanks David, I'm keeping an eye on both Southampton VTS & Portsmouth arrivals.
Passed Gibraltar today
-
Due Portsmouth tomorrow
From QHM Portsmouth
1100 MV VICTORIA OF WIGHT/ TTBC TUG AMBER II - OSB to WL MOORINGs - GUARDSMAN, WARRIOR PIP PILOT
Albeit the wettest day I've seem in months, I went down to Southsea today being as the AMBER II was just south of the Isle of Wight. AMBER II did a U turn south of the Nab Tower and started going west looking like she had dropped her tow but no sign of VICTORIA OF WIGHT. Later noticed an AIS signal of her in Southampton Water!! the signal never moved!!!
AMBER II now west of the needles and VICTORIA OF WIGHT showing at Cowes, did she come in from the needles end? visibility at Southsea was poor but do not think she slipped by.
Hopefully catch her tomorrow :)
GOLD ROVER was turned on her berth today, prior to this the ahts ASTREA arrived. I wonder if she will take her to the breakers?
-
You can keep a watch on Portsmouth Harbour entrance via the webcam at http://www.camsecure.co.uk/portsmouth_harbour_webcam.html (http://www.camsecure.co.uk/portsmouth_harbour_webcam.html).
-
If she comes up the Western Solent past Cowes then this see this webcam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2WcGTL3y89w&t=0s&index=16&list=PLhK4K9XV6T0UVGkIofrQ3jpGAHkPjd6Zs (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2WcGTL3y89w&t=0s&index=16&list=PLhK4K9XV6T0UVGkIofrQ3jpGAHkPjd6Zs)
-
Just had a look at QHM Portsmouth arrivals for tomorrow (Friday 09-08-18) and they show Amber II and Victoria of Wight arriving at 1100.
-
Finally, to complete the list of Solent webcams, try Cowes: http://www.camsecure.co.uk/island_sailing_club.html (http://www.camsecure.co.uk/island_sailing_club.html)
and
Ryde: https://isleofwightwebcams.co.uk/solent-webcam/ (https://isleofwightwebcams.co.uk/solent-webcam/)
-
ASTRAEA is not an AHTS - she'll be there for the wind farm cabling work, with fleetmates ATALANTI and ARTEMIS.
ARTEMIS is in fact an AHTS, but my guess would be that AMBER II will take GOLD ROVER away.
-
Yes, correct David, muddled her with ARTEMIS.
With rain pouring down and the wind blowing, VICTORIA OF WIGHT arrived as planned under tow of AMBER II assisted by local tugs
Photos to follow later