Vancouver Harbour is a busy place with every size of cargo and container ship arriving from locations all around the Pacific Ocean.
None of this would be possible without the powerful (6300 hp) and highly maneuverable ship handling tugs. Talk about a "room with a view" the operator enjoys an almost uninterrupted view of everything around!
That's a powerful boat! These are really clear and sharp, did you take these from the shore or from your boat?
ReplyDeleteThese were from the shore with the Sigma 120-400 during our trip to Vancouver a couple of weeks ago. That Sigma really shines, the optical stabilization makes for great handheld shots even at 400mm!
Deletei do like his glass world. :)
ReplyDeleteNice post Paul. I always enjoy when you take us on these coastal and harbor tours. Such a curious and interesting place to this landlocked viewer!
ReplyDeleteSixty-three-hundred HP, I was wondering if the tugs are prop driven or jet driven? Seems like prop would deliver the most power. Manuvering those large ships around one would need a 'room with a view' to make sure two of them didn't get together. Those Tug Captains must be very experienced at what they do, they have a large responsibility keeping order in the harbor, it seems.
Nice pics and story!
Parker these ship handling tugs have a very unique drive system. It's called Z-Peller Drive and looks much like an egg beater sticking out of the bottom of the boat. This allows the tugs to move any direction without turning the boat. I would encourage you to "Google" Z-Peller, definitely worth the read.
DeleteJust finished reading up on the Z-Peller. Truly an amazing invention! Now I can see how all that power from the motor is applied. These tugs can park an Ocean going vessel on a dime and give you back nine cents in change!
DeleteThanks again for a great read and pics!