A scene captured in May 1972, typical of the times, with plenty of interest to look at.
The Shell tanker has company alongside, maybe a P & O boat, SALSETTE for example.
Across the river in dry dock at Smiths is a representative of the Furness Line, perhaps TUDOR PRINCE.
The small craft nestling up to the trio of tugs looks interesting, suggestions on a postcard please!
Enjoy the view.

Much enjoyed! Yes, one of the Prince tankers, TUDOR or STUART at Smith's, and there's another freighter outboard of the P&O, seem to start with 'S'.
Must say that the Shell colours after being 'reversed' really did stand out much better.
The hopper may have a Stephenson Clarke funnel (?) but not DAVID MARLEY, what else did they have?

Great old picture and wish I had a £ for every time I stood at that view, looks like one of the Clan Line ships in Smiths big dock

IMPETUS for a start as the nearest tug?
Regards
Graham

Tugs are Maximus, Southsider and Eastsider

I think it is the Tudor Prince.
I was on the Stuart Prince end of 1968 into 1969 and she had the Prince of Wales' feathers on the Furness Withy funnel funnel while the Tudor Prince had the plain Furness Withy funnel.
When built Stuart Prince was owned by Prince Line and Tudor Prince was owned by Furness Withy.

Thanks, must remeber that difference!

Still no comment on the hopper or the wee tug alongside it, surely both must be known?

I think that the wee tug is TDE's Watchful George. Seen here in 1966.

That's the one Dennis, you posted this back in 2012 but it seems we didn't get any history for her ... anything now?

Hi George - no, absolutely nothing so far. I posted the picture on a local marine-themed Facebook page last year and got a few kind remarks about it but no further info on the vessel.