HARBOUR ENTRANCE

Views of West Pier over 30 year period

By Stephen Morris

Some pictures of the harbour entrance over 30 years and the changes.

Photo: Illustrative image for the 'HARBOUR ENTRANCE' page

The first picture was taken from the Valencay in 1971.  Note the neat state of the wooden piling and the complete lines of the East Pier.  The West Pier lighthouse was still intact.  The cranes are visible on the East Quay for the Fisher Terminal cargo handling.

Photo: Illustrative image for the 'HARBOUR ENTRANCE' page

The second picture was taken in 1995 from the Stena Londoner after a late departure due to bow thruster problems.  The Meeching had to give the ferry a push under her starboard bow to swing her round in the river, hence the tug returning to her berth.  Note the giraffe container crane and the ugly gap in the East Pier. 

Photo: Illustrative image for the 'HARBOUR ENTRANCE' page

The final picture taken from the Sardinia Vera in 2002 shows a more dilapidated harbour entrance with missing piling around the end of the West Pier. Thirty years of wear and tear and minimal investment takes its toll.  

This page was added by Stephen Morris on 27/01/2018.
Comments about this page

Sorry folks, I now realise the third picture was from the Senlac in 1985! The Meeching can be seen at her berth and a ballast dredger (Chichester Star?) at the West Quay. Thought best to make a correction before Andy Gilbert spots it! So it should be a 24 year period with picture No. 3 as No. 2 in date order!

With the missing piles, I'd thought that was the correct date! Andy

By Stephen Morris
On 04/02/2018
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