HMS Example & HMS Grimsby

[Tynesider]

Whilst having the heighest respect for our Navy (what's left of it) it never ceases to amaze me in so called times of austerity why Navel ships the size of HMS Grimsby and recently HMS Tyne need a tug .

HMS Grimsby seen below had the Svitzer Redbridge following her all the way up to NC8 quay Newcastle, then I was amazed to see and hear HMS Example was to 'escort her', Example had passed me coming down river three hours before when she left Hillgate quay Newcastle.

Maybe the Skipper of HMS Grimsby did not know the way to Newcastle or was it a jolly for HMS Example to test the fuel sytem

HMS Example going down river am, and yes there are six on the bridge!

HMS Grimsby going upriver (HMS Example was infront of her)

They are everywhere! HMS Trumpeter at royal Quays marina.

[magoonigal]

Well, in the days when Bow Thrust's were not so common, naval vessel's would need tug assistance to turn, BUT both the River Class and the Sandown Class have them fitted so it cannot be that.

Lack of dredging in the upper river perhaps? Sandown class have a draft of 2.3m and Rivers 3.8m so they should have no problems. The Tug is probably more likeley to touch bottom than anything else.

So is it the P of T protecting a valuable Warship? Navy policy in strange Rivers? Don't know to be honest....

As to the University Reserve Naval Craft.........well it is Training and if you could play with a 25 kt Patrol Boat, what would you do.

[Tynesider]

Well, in the days when Bow Thrust's were not so common, naval vessel's would need tug assistance to turn, BUT both the River Class and the Sandown Class have them fitted so it cannot be that.

Lack of dredging in the upper river perhaps? Sandown class have a draft of 2.3m and Rivers 3.8m so they should have no problems. The Tug is probably more likeley to touch bottom than anything else.

So is it the P of T protecting a valuable Warship? Navy policy in strange Rivers? Don't know to be honest....

As to the University Reserve Naval Craft.........well it is Training and if you could play with a 25 kt Patrol Boat, what would you do.

Hi Paul

Well it's nothing to do with draft as they often berth at Northumbrian quay which is 9m deep @ chart datum and there is plenty of water at Newcastle quay at high water.

HMS Grimsby also had a pilot aboard as do any vessel over a certain size and does not have an Pilot exemption certificate.

I guess it has to be a Naval thing but if they take a tug at every port no wonder we are short of funds

[creemaster]

HMS Trumpeter in the Royal Quays on Tuesday night
Regards
Graham