Yesterday evening we went to watch a ship, the 'Arklow Fortune' leaving Sharpness Docks to begin its journey to Liverpool with a load of scrap metal.  We looked it up on the internet and the ship was scheduled to depart at 7:30, so we had an early(ish) dinner and took a stroll down to the docks.

When we arrived the tide was still fairly low so we were unsure whether we had the right times, but just before 7:30 there was activity round the ship and C&RT people began to appear to open/close lock gates.  At 7:30 she cast off her ropes and made her way to the lock area!  All the water you can see is part of the gigantic sea lock!  We reckon it is as big as a football field (at least).  

Arklow Fortune in the lock

Even a ship has to be secured with a bow and stern line in a lock!

The lock keeper opened the paddles to lower the water in the dock to sea level so that the gates could be opened.  It took almost an hour for the lock to drain and the gates open.

The lock at Sharpness emptying!

Looking across the estuary while waiting for the lock to empty

At about 8:40 (pm) Arklow Fortune cleared the lockand set sail for Liverpool!

Coming through the lock gates

And so off into the sunset!