SINGAPORE-REGISTERED FREIGHTER AT EAST QUAY

Neptune Zircon pays a visit

By Stephen Morris

Neptune Zircon built in 1961 as the German ship Weissenfels, owned at the time of her visit in 1971 by Neptune Orient Lines, registered in Singapore. She was a decent-sized ship for the East Quay at 9,600 gross tons. An interesting ship with her bridge over the bows, heavy-lift derrick amidships, and engine at the stern. She was broken up in 1995.

Large version of pictures available by clicking within picture.

Photo:Neptune Zircon

Neptune Zircon

© Stephen Morris

Photo:Looking a touch shabby, but it was always good to see large cargo ships filling the space at the East Quay.

Looking a touch shabby, but it was always good to see large cargo ships filling the space at the East Quay.

© Stephen Morris

Photo:I had permission to climb on top of the monkey island on top of the bridge for a grandstand view of the ship and the harbour. Not sure of the cargo, but I think it may have been timber.

I had permission to climb on top of the monkey island on top of the bridge for a grandstand view of the ship and the harbour. Not sure of the cargo, but I think it may have been timber.

© Stephen Morris

Photo:No, she hadn't run aground! Looking in the opposite direction, view down the East Pier before the repairs and with the original light tower.

No, she hadn't run aground! Looking in the opposite direction, view down the East Pier before the repairs and with the original light tower.

© Stephen Morris

This page was added by Stephen Morris on 22/03/2021.
Comments about this page

I remember this ship well, she visited a couple of times, as I recall.

Although she was not the largest in terms of gross tonnage, at over 152 metres long, she was certainly one of the longest to visit the Fisher terminal. I think the longest was 'Argentina Star' but we're only talking a few inches!

The impressive thing about Neptune Zircon for me was the massive 'Stulken' derrick array amidships. However not long after these photos were taken, she was converted into a container ship and all the masts and derricks were removed.

By Andy Gilbert
On 26/03/2021
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