Indian Ocean voyage

The voyage from Singapore to Fremantle took 10 days via Jakarta. We spent a few days loading and unloading in Singapore and Jakarta so actual travel time was about 6.5 days. I ate with the officers 3 times a day and the food was abundant! I was the only passenger as a couple from Bristol had to cancel last minute. The crew were a mix of Russian, German, Estonian and the deck crew were from the Pacific Islands.

Here are some photos of the ship, the enormous engine (literally as big as my old terraced house in South Wales!) and the beautiful views from the ship. I watched a school of 20 dolphins swim with the ship at one point but didn't manage to spot any whales unfortunately.

This was the view from my cabin on the port side. We were passing through the islands of Indonesia at this point.
The view from the bridge - the ship was about 2/3 loaded going to Australia. It holds nearly 3000 containers, each of which is the size of a lorry trailer.
Sunset in the middle of Indian Ocean
2nd Engineer Sergei checking the fuel heaters. The ship runs on Heavy Fuel Oil that is heated to over 100 degrees prior to burning. It carried 3000 tons for this journey which took over 8 hours of refuelling.
Above is the rudder apparatus. Large hydraulic pistons linked with the on board navigation system to keep an accurate course.
Prop shaft.
Engine control lever! I was tempted to give it a tweak when the engineer wasn't looking but my common sense got the better of me.
Bottom end of the engine - gives around 20'000 horsepower. 6 cylinders, water cooled.
Top end of engine. A man could easily fit inside each of the huge cylinders. THey have a diameter of several feet.
My cabin!