[Stevo]

Grey Rover was moved out of No 3 Basin (Portsmouth) this morning, anyone know anything more? There's a fairly large tug newly arrived moored in the harbour, is there a connection. Nothing happening in tomorrows shipping movements though......

[James_C]

Stevo,
I'm led to believe the MOD are short of a couple of tankers due to the delay of the MARS project, so you never know...
However she's knocking on 40 years old, so the scrapyard would probably be more likely, especially if she still carries Asbestos.

[Molls-Phot]

I heard she's off for scrapping around July-time. Sir Percivale is also off for scrapping in the near future. We've got Fort Austin coming next week for lay-up. The tug mentioned (Svitzer Mercia) was for Cottesmore. Together with Dulverton, she has gone to Falmouth for refit and further service with the Lithuanian Navy.

[fred henderson]

Jim

I was on the platform for her launch on 17 April 1969. She was actually christened "Gway Wover"

Fred

[Lancastrian]

Didnt know Jonathan Ross was around back then?

We keep hearing that Percy is about to move but she never does!

[snooper]

Interesting to hear that about Fort Austin, Molls-Phot.She has been moored up at coaling pier(Portland) for 2 weeks,possibly in destore then?
She still here over the weekend,if anyone wants to grab some final photos!
Interestingly,but puzzling then is her sister Fort Rosalie who is also in our waters.Is she not the elder of the 2 vessels but remaining with us?
Peter

[Stevo]

The tug Svitzer Mercia is not the tug I was referring to. I watched Svitzer tow the Cottesmore out on Thurs, whilst a larger red, white blue tug was moored in the upper reaches of the harbour. Combined with the cold move of Grey Rover I just put two and two together!

[Richie2012]

It looked like a briggs marine tug the one your talking about i wondered what it was doing as well

[Stevo]

Richie
Yes you are right, a little further examination suggests it was the Kingdom of Fife and she was doing some work on the Rame Head's old moorings.

[Noddy-Billing]

Originally Posted by Stevo

Richie
Yes you are right, a little further examination suggests it was the Kingdom of Fife and she was doing some work on the Rame Head's old moorings.

Briggs Marine now have the sub-contract to maintain MOD(N) moorings, so you can expect to see more of their vessels in the Dockyard Ports in the future.

[Lancastrian]

Originally Posted by snooper

Interesting to hear that about Fort Austin, Molls-Phot.She has been moored up at coaling pier(Portland) for 2 weeks,possibly in destore then?
She still here over the weekend,if anyone wants to grab some final photos!
Interestingly,but puzzling then is her sister Fort Rosalie who is also in our waters.Is she not the elder of the 2 vessels but remaining with us?
Peter

Fort Austin's "lay up" may not be permanent. She is replacing Fort Victoria which will shortly return to service following a period in "extended readiness".

[Stevo]

I suppose the Grey Rover's move is just to permit space for the Austin in the Basin then, probably being moved back afterwards. If she is indeed going for scrap perhaps she might end up on the harbour moorings....

[rigger mortice]

Originally Posted by fred henderson

Jim

I was on the platform for her launch on 17 April 1969. She was actually christened "Gway Wover"

Fred

And I was on the Foc'sle Head.