SHANGHAI DOCKS

THE RIVER JOURNEY TO THE SHANGHAI DOCKS

The bustling docks that line the Huangpu River continue from modern Pudong and Shanghai's " Bund"  all the way to the wide mouth of the Yangzi River. We travelled as far as the Yangpu Bridge. This structure was built in 1993. It one of the world's longest cable-stay bridges with cables anchored to each tower. Many varieties of ships and boats were moored at docks beside huge cranes. 

The river Pilot vessel which escorts cargo vessels to and from the docks. 

Waterfront cranes hang eerily through the smog. 

Cranes dangle block tackle over shipping. 

The massive monster cranes dwarf shipping and buildings.

But some vessels dwarf other river shipping.  

The Yangpu Bridge. Cables are attached to the top of the two towers. 

Grain silos beside the river. 

A floating crane in the centre of the Huangpu River. 

This huge floating crane dwarfed our cruiser. 

The Manuela cargo vessel registered in Panama. 

Tugs awaiting to move cargo ships. 

River traffic begins to increase. 

Seems as if an invasion is under-way. 

A barge sprints towards our cruiser.

An interesting cargo of "rubble", destination up river somewhere!

SHANGHAI'S RIVER CARGOES

CARGOES TRANSPORTED UP THE HUANGPU RIVER

Nearly one third of all China's international trade enters the Huangpu river. Thus the river is perennially busy. We experienced a constant movement of barges transporting bulk goods such as coal and iron ore up stream to the various factories and manufacturing centres. The spectacle of this massive cargo movement up the Huangpu river was very fascinating.

Bulk carrier heading down to the docks for another load.

A barge moving upstream with a full load. 

Cargo carriers dwarfed by the Shanghai backdrop. 

An empty bulk carrier steams back for reloading. 

Waste not, want not! Just where is the destination? 

A stationary flying saucer observes a loaded coal barge. 

Logs transported by barge. 

Will the logs float if the barge sink? 

Is that the captain, dwarfed by the logs? 

How do these barges transporting coal stay afloat? 

A line of barges moving "Aussie" coal! 

More coal! Is this assisting building construction in Shanghai? 

The Huangpu river shimmers in the fading light. 

River traffic passing Shanghai wharves. 

Massive concrete pipes being moved by a barge.

Cargoes passing the 1883 fort. This may have been built
during the 1881 to 1885 war between France and China. 

Bulk carrier sailing to be reloaded.
Note the Plimsoll Line is high above the water line. 

The Chinese maritime flag seems to be the same as the national flag. 

A multitude of barges leaving the docks. 

Shipping at the docks. 

Dusk settling over the Pudong side of the river.

Is this "Aussie" iron ore? 

The long boat. 

Blue Pudong and Blue Huangpu River. 

Again, the long barge passing  modern Pudong. 

The living quarters of a barge. 

More "Aussie" coal moving upstream. 

Occasionally a barge race steams up the Huangpu River. 

River traffic leaving the smoggy docks. 

The clutter of barges on the Huangpu River. 

Bulk barges passing the world globe. 

The barge race charging to Pudong. 

Will such a bow wave result in a sinking?

FERRIES AND CRUISERS ON THE HUANGPU RIVER

PASSENGER TRAFFIC ON THE HUANGPU RIVER

Considerable water traffic sails along this broad and deep river throughout the day. Ferries transfer passengers between the "BUND" and Pudong. Tourists enjoy cruising the river vistas of Shanghai and Pudong. Some cruises sail to the Shanghai Docks while others continue to the junction of the Huangpu and Yangzi rivers. Wherever they travel, ships' Captains must be very alert to avoid the multitude of vessels sailing up, down and across the river.

Tourist cruiser embarking on a river journey. 

Ferries and cruisers set to dodge river traffic.

A ferry passes some of Pudong's modern architecture. 

A flashy cruiser returning to the "Bund".

You need to know 'port' and 'starboard' in Chinese! 

Ferries sailing to Pudong. 

Has this Paddle Wheeler sailed from the Mississippi? 

Seems to be rather streamlined cruiser! 

Ferries docked beside the "Bund".   

Cruisers docked beside the "Bund". 

We sailed on this cruiser. 

Probably not Drake's "Golden Hind" but a Chinese motorized replica! 

The Huangpu River becomes electrifying at night. 

Cruiser zapping along the river near Pudong.

Cruisers sailing "line ahead" up-stream on the Haungpu River.