John Oram's photos with the keyword: Solent

We all hope that the sun is not setting on the cruise industry but the sad procession of ships to and from Southampton for relief and replenishment has been a sobering sight throughout the pandemic. In this heavily edited shot, P&O Ventura passes Cowes on her return to sea for another few lonely days. TZ70_P1030091XXE

On a beautiful Monday morning, Seabourn Quest was gliding elegantly along the Isle of Wight coast as she slowed to anchor at Cowes. Nearing the end of a long Gems of the Irish Sea & Hebrides itinerary, she had left Waterford and would end the cruise in Dover. 5300_DSC_0857CE

This slightly tongue in cheek shot captures a moment on the Solent on a beautiful Monday morning as AIDAperla follows the rather tortuous route into Southampton and passes behind the ABCO jackup barge 'Red Squirrel' which was engaged on work associated with bringing ashore undersea cables to IFA2 [qv]. 5300_DSC_0867CE

The distinctive markings of AIDAperla help to make the best of a challenging shot across the Solent towards Southampton Water as the cruise ship arrives from Hamburg on a short European itinerary. An unidentified workboat lies of the shore at Lee on Solent and is undoubtedly associated with the extensive work to bring ashore undersea cables for IFA2 [qv]. Numerous markers of the type in the foreground delineate areas currently unsafe for small vessels, bathers and leisure activities. 5300_DSC_0872CE

In just about perfect lighting conditions, the ABCO jackup barge 'Red Squirrel' is seen off Lee on Solent where it was working to help bring ashore undersea cables for IFA2, the new interconnector located on the north side of Daedalus [qv]. The Isle of Wight provides a beautiful backdrop. 5300_DSC_0868R