ROYAL SEAFORTH DOCK
1972-2006
Left, 1969 Model depicting the proposed new building of Seaforth Dock, right, 2006 the second generation of cranes handling deep-sea vessels on berths S3 & S5, "Independent Action" is ahead of ACL's "Atlantic Concert"
After completion in late 1971 Seaforth dock was opened to commercial shipping traffic, Blue star Line had the first vessel alongside S2 berth with "Tasmania Star" 6/12/1971 discharging a cargo of fresh meat and fruit. Left, later arrivals included ACL's "Atlantic Cinderella" pictured below early in 1972, the first ACL vessel to dock in Seaforth when only three of the five container cranes were in position, note the large open stacking area for containers yet to be filled.
Two other early Seaforth views with unnamed vessels from both Blue Star Line and Atlantic Container Line waiting to load export cars to the U.S.
Seaforth was officially opened on 18th July 1973 by the Princess Royal and named "Royal Seaforth Dock"
Three views from the seventies, left the view from a container crane looking down the quayside, centre, the stacking area, also visible are Shed two and berth offices S5 & S6, right, ACL's "Atlantic Song" alongside S3 berth.
Late seventies/early eighties left, East Asiatic Shipping Co, " Meonia" centre C. P. Ships bulk carrier "Fort Kamloops" alongside the timber terminal, right, alongside S5 berth " Manchester Crusade"
Left, before completion, Seaforth Dock under construction, centre, a late 70's view of Seaforth, ACL's Atlantic Prosper is docking assisted by tugs, right, CGM's Ro/Ro vessel "Rodin" was one of the replacement vessels during the lengthening of the G1's.
Left, One of the ACL vessels used on the direct service to Montreal during the late 70's and early 80's, "Atlantic Prelude" centre & right two aerial views of Harrison Line's "Author" pictured docking and heading inward in the Crosby Channel.
Left, Another ACL vessel on the Canadian service, "Atlantic Prosper" is berthed on S3 with one of the G2 vessels ahead on S4, centre "Atlantic Causeway" on S3 berth, CGM's "Caraibe" is on S4 berth with the bulk carrier "Ploto" on S2, right, bulk carriers from Gearbulk called at the Timber Terminal on a regular basis during the 80's and 90's here an unnamed vessel is assisted to her berth by tug "Collingwood" in the colours of The Alexandra Towing Company.
Two vessels from the Nedlloyd fleet, left Nedlloyd Hollandia and right, Nedlloyd Hoorn, the first named was a regular caller at Seaforth as part of the CAROL service with several other operators, the second named called several times during 1984/5 when the Port of Southampton was closed and the S.A.E.C.S service.
Regular Seaforth caller's during the late 70's Incotrans Dutch flagged vessels part of the CONPAC service to The Gulf Ports and West Coast U.S.A. from Europe, Left & centre "Incotrans Speed" and right sister vessel "Incotrans Spirit" these vessels also saw service as Gulf Speed & Spirit.
May 2003, Cast Container vessel "Cast Power" assisted through from Gladstone lock by tugs from both Adsteam Towage and Svitzer Wijsmuller Towage, leading into Seaforth is "Bramley Moore" with "Willowgarth" pushing towards the quay
Left, Roll on Roll off Cargo in the shape of a Helicopter waiting to load on board the ACL vessel in the background, Right, Freightliner class 66, number 66579 Diesel Locomotive taking the midday train from Seaforth.