Whatzit?!!
Here’s a bit more context. The sun shone for only a few minutes this morning, and after that drizzle was steady, and distance was far, so your imagination may be called upon. Blue Marlin is orange and
–uh–colossal, elephantine. If any vessel should be called a whale, this is it. And maybe the Reinauer tugs (Monarch, Curtis, Janice Ann !!, John, Dean [scroll thru each to find it] and seven barges) could be renamed for the transit as
Jonah 1, Jonah 2, etc. . . especially as they might be passing through a rapturous sea, if the folks in Times Square are correct. Nevertheless, with Twin Tube’s help, provisions are laid on, and all manner
of prep goes on.
Welding and movement
get the vessel ready for loading on . . .
Monday? Is there a spectator boat to get just a bit closer? I’d love to know. All fotos by Will Van Dorp. Updates soon. If anyone gets closer-up pics and wants to share, email me.
5 comments
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May 20, 2011 at 8:32 pm
mageb
That is a strange working ship. Yes, I am looking forward to seeing it loaded.
May 22, 2011 at 10:39 am
Goose
Sorry if the question is silly, but I’m sort of new here and still learning about the daily life of the NY Harbor. So you’re saying that the Blue Marlin is picking up tugs and barges? For what purpose? Where are they going? Could you point me towards more information on that? By the way, if anyone organizes a good way to get closer and/or observe the loading procedure, I would also be interested. It might be a good reason to finally get a better lens…
May 22, 2011 at 5:44 pm
tugster
goose . . . thanks for writing. no questions are silly; there are certainly tons of things i don’t know, will never know. the tugs have been sold overseas . . . . nigeria. some of them are NOT oceangoing, so this is the way to get them there. more info . . . the grapevine; one of the motivations i have for doing this blog is that the mainstream media pay virtually no attention to doings in the harbor. the best i can suggest for observing . . . be at owlshead fishing pier or the east end of the st george/staten island ferry terminal at daybreak tomorrow . . . have good lens and be prepared to wait, see nothing, get rained upon . . . and fun things like that.
May 22, 2011 at 9:33 pm
Goose
Thanks for your quick reply and the info. I was hoping the loading would fall on one of my off days. If it’s tomorrow, then it missed by one, unfortunately. Oh well, maybe I’ll still get to see something from the ferry – my usual vantage point. I’ll just rely on your photos – they’ll be better anyway. Today I missed the best shot opportunity I’ve had for several days (relatively clear air, ferry came slightly closer): I had the camera but I forgot to reinsert the freshly charged battery…
You’re right – when I got interested in various “things harbor” I quickly discovered that I can’t get any information anywhere. Or perhaps I’m not looking properly? Anyway, you’re in my bookmarks now. Happy hunting tomorrow!
June 14, 2011 at 12:44 pm
barry
Came across this blog after seeing on cargolaw.com that the Blue Marlin was struggling to load its cargo of tugs and barges. For an overview of what Blue Marlin and sister ships are capable of, have a look at dockwise.com, especially the videos of the float-overs. It’s amazing what these ships can carry !