Glasgow And Ships Of The Clyde

V.L.C.C?s (Very Large Crude Carriers)

UK Coastal Waters.
Lightening V.L.C.Cs

Ardrossan Tug Ardneil??
Taking Yokohama fenders to the lightening V.L.C.C?s
(Very Large Crude Carriers)
Photo shows a V.L.C.C.s Tanker, transferring 65,000 tons of crude oil to a smaller vessel MV DRUPA.

Shell International Marine Ltd, introduced a method for lightening the 200,000d.w.ton class tankers at sea, by transferring part of their cargoes of crude oil to a specially equipped smaller tanker.

There would be eventually 29 of these very large crude carriers.
Until 1970, when plans to deepen the entrance channels to Europort, Le Havre and Gothernburgh are complete, and until Fos near Marseilles, is ready, these ships will not be able to berth in Western Europe while carrying a full cargo.

To overcome this, the Shell tanker ?DRUPA of the 70,000 class has been adapted as a lightening vessel, with special fenders, hoses, radio, and other equipment.
When a VLCC.?s enters Western European waters she make a rendezvous with the DRUPA, the two ships are moored together, and DRUPA takes off sufficient of the V.L.C.C?s cargo to enable her to enter harbour

Yokohama fenders
Originally, Japanese ships used dead whales as large fenders.
They were replaced after WW2, when the Japanese tyre manufacturer ?Yokohama? was asked to come up with a suitable man made alternative, hence the birth of ??Yokohama? fenders.

(EA ArdrossanShips.com)