There are many different opinions on Portsmouth’s working waterfront, but I for one love the fact that we can enjoy freighters from all over the world right here in town.
In this image, the Atlantic Progress from Singapore sits docked at the Granite State Minerals pier along Portsmouth’s waterfront.
A dramatic sunset over the Moran Towing tugboats docked at their home in Portsmouth. I love when certain ingredients come together… no matter how many times I might visit a location, I never know what to expect for light, sky, etc. – but I know that the sun sets behind the buildings along Market Street, and I was happy to find a nice combination of late day light and clouds overhead.
The Moran Towing tugboats are rugged creatures. These monsters work diligently throughout the year, especially in the midst of winter, ensuring that the river traffic navigates the Piscataqua with ease. This was taken after the big snowstorm of 2013 came and went, leaving a rainy/slushy day in its wake – as you can see the massive rain drops in the surface of the river.
The Atlantic Pearl as seen from Penhallow Street. I’ve always loved the imposing presence of a freighter next to the tugboats from this angle. It fits right in with the scale of the multi-storied buildings surrounding it, and is a sight that’s probably not seen in many places around the country. It’s always a reminder of where we live and how unique it is. I can’t imagine what it would be like to watch merchant ships unloading centuries ago in this very spot.
Another glimpse of what Portsmouth’s waterfront looked like with the original Memorial Bridge. In just about eight more months, a replacement bridge will be standing in its place – reconnecting the communities of Kittery and Portsmouth. The iconic Moran Towing tugboats sit at rest in the foreground.
Tugs Martingale Afternoon, originally uploaded by Philip Case Cohen.
In the next installment of People on the Piscataqua, a Moran Towing tugboat captain eyes the shore as he guides the freighter and the tugboat upriver.
