Photos by Peter Saunders

Mersey Estuary, returning to base.

Mersey Estuary, a dull Christmas Eve, heading to the next task at the estuary mouth.

Mersey Estuary, a dull Christmas Eve, departing downstream for the Irish Sea and Antwerp.

Mersey Estuary, manoeuvring to the next task.

Mersey Estuary, manoeuvring to the next task.

Mersey Estuary, manoeuvring to the next task.

Mersey Estuary, heading upstream to Eastham Locks and the Manchester Ship Canal on a dull Christmas Eve.

Mersey Estuary, heading upstream to the Port of Garston, on a dull Christmas Eve.

Mersey Estuary, moored at Tranmere Oil Terminal, facing upstream on Christmas eve.

River Thames, heading downstream towards Tower Bridge, passing HMS Belfast.

River Thames, heading downstream towards Tower Bridge, passing HMS Belfast.

River Thames, heading downstream towards Tower Bridge

River Thames, heading downstream, towards Tower Bridge.

River Thames, heading upstream.

River Thames, moored above Tower Bridge.

River Thames, at Tower Pier.

River Thames, moored facing upstream.

River Thames, heading downstream.

River Thames, heading downstream.

River Thames, heading downstream.

River Thames, about to moor at Canary Wharf pier.

River Thames, heading upstream towards Canary Wharf.

River Thames, at Canary Wharf pier.

River Thames, heading downstream.

River Thames, heading downstream.

River Thames, heading downstream.

River Thames, heading upstream.

River Thames, sailing as SILVER SOCKEYE, moored facing downstream.

River Thames, moored facing upstream.

River Thames, moored at Police Pier, facing downstream.

River Thames, moored a short distance below Tower Bridge.

River Thames, heading upstream towards Tower Bridge.

River Thames, heading upstream past the bow of HMS Belfast.

River Thames. Heading upstream from Tower Pier.

River Thames. Moored facing upstream near Tower Pier.

River Thames. Moored facing upstream near Tower Pier.

Awaiting the next passengers for a cruise around Portsmouth Harbour.

Harbour Spirit makes another trip across Portsmouth Harbour to Gosport.

Leaving Portsmouth Harbour for France.

Leaving Portsmouth Harbour for the Isle of Wight.

Leaving Portsmouth Harbour for the Isle of Wight.

Unloading bananas, Porstmouth Harbour

Alongside Portsmouth Naval Base.

Alongside Portsmouth Naval Base.

Alongside Portsmouth Naval Base.

Alongside Portsmouth Naval Base.

Alongside Portsmouth Naval Base.

Alongside Portsmouth Naval Base.

Alongside Portsmouth Naval Base.

Alongside Portsmouth Naval Base.