After returning to Mihara port, I took a shinkansen train to Hiroshima, followed by a quick transfer to a local train to Kure. There I wanted to board the ferry to Hiroshima, just to be able to see those magenta/pink container ships for Ocean Network Express under construction at JMU shipyard. After buying the ticket (there is a discount for foreigners), I noticed that there was a naval base cruise available, that would allow me not only to see the shipyard, but also the JMSDF naval vessels at the Kure Naval Base. I would have gladly forfeited the ticket I already bought, but the cruise boat has just departed. Oh well, I will have it in mind for the next time.
So, this babies were available for viewing at JMU shipyard, the last two ONE ships.
"One Apus":
http://www.shipspotting.com/gallery/photo.php?lid=2975653"One Cygnus", the last one:
http://www.shipspotting.com/gallery/photo.php?lid=2975659Together:
http://www.shipspotting.com/gallery/photo.php?lid=2975071On the way to Hiroshima, there was one hard working small LPG tanker at the anchorage:
http://www.shipspotting.com/gallery/photo.php?lid=2975651Then, a tram ride from Hiroshima port to the railway station, where I took a fast train to Fukuyama, changing for the bus, to try to see some yards along the Shimanami Kaido, an expressway connecting Honshu and Shikoku islands. That did not play out too well, as it was already getting dark; the photos I made were good enough as "evidence", but definitely not up to site standards.
So, I arrived at Imabari, spending the night at a local hotel, which I will not name, that offerred me exactly what I needed: a bed for the night. Otherwise, it was very old place, but the interesting thing was that the Internet booking sites proudly advertised it for a price of up to 100$. Which was ridiculous, so I just arrived there without the reservation and paid the budget-breaking 40$ on the spot.
Anyway, the next day was rainy, so I rescheduled my trip somewhat, still managing to visit the Imabari yard, with its new feeders for Evergreen, and some tankers.
"Ever Build":
http://www.shipspotting.com/gallery/photo.php?lid=2975695"Oxalis Lotus":
http://www.shipspotting.com/gallery/photo.php?lid=2975693Then I caught the train to Marugame, again to see the local Imabari yard, this time with much larger container vessels for Evergreen:
"Ever Govern":
http://www.shipspotting.com/gallery/photo.php?lid=2975699...and the next bulker in a series for "K Line", still looking for her IMO number:
"Miyagawa Maru":
http://www.shipspotting.com/gallery/photo.php?lid=2975697Next: Sakaide and Takamatsu...