Catching Up

 Returning to Halifax after more than two months away* (aside from two short returns home) it may take some time to get back into a (new /old) normal routine - especially posts to this blog. Instead of seeing ships directly on the St.Lawrence River, and right outside my front window, I will now need to do a bit more planning so that I can be in the right place at the right time.

In checking out Halifax harbour today, September 6, I needed to go all the way to Autoport to get a look at the Noble Ace. Although the ship has been here before, I did not have a photo. The long grass has apparently withered away - or someone may have cut it - so I did not need to wade in up to my waist to get my shot.

 The ship was well secured with a number of head lines out to the buoy and the dock. I could see some pieces of heavy machinery on the dock near the ship's stern, but these are not normal cargo for Autoport. It is possible that they were "last on" due to their size, and were driven off the ship so that the normal cargo of cars can be driven off. They would then be re-loaded before the ship sails.

Built by Imabari Zosen in Marugame in 2011 it is a 59,515 gt / 18,946 dwt ship with a capacity of 6,172 CEU. Despite is MOL colours and name (MOL car carriers are named "ACE" for Auto Carrier Express) the ship flies the British flag for owners Zodiac Maritime Inc, and thus must be on long term charter to MOL. 

The ship is en route from European ports - the last was Zeebrugge - and is bound for Brunswick, GA. 

 --------------

Despite the desire to photograph ships with no distracting background clutter. I do like to catch ships passing beneath the A.Murray MacKay bridge on their way to or from Bedford Basin.Today I was fortunate to get the ZIM Asia inbound for the PSA Fairview Cove container terminal.

I also prefer not to use a wide angle lens, but I risked some distortion by zooming down to 35 mm to get the bridge deck and west tower in the shot.

  

Going away photos aren't my favourite views either, but the sun was just right this tme.

That is the Atlantic Oak providing stern tethered escort. It will soon swing out to assist the ship's turn. Sharp eyes may spot the CSL Tacoma loading at the Gold Bond Gypsum dock in the right background.

ZIM Asia has been a regular caller here since October 2023, and the reason for its non-typical colour scheme may be found here: Shipfax October 16, 2023
 

----------------------

 * When I get settled in I will post some St.Lawrence River highlights.

 .