I've seen her (from a distance)

by Clive
(UK)

I live on the east coast of Kent so I often have the opportunity to take my binoculars down to the cliffs by Dover overlooking the English Channel.

On more than one occasion I've seen these beautiful 'E' class vessels passing through the channel. Unfortunately, it's impossible to tell the difference between the Emma Maersk and her sister ships due to the weather conditions and distance. They truly are magnificent looking ships ignoring all the other superlatives about them. I wish I could say the same for the proposed triple 'E' class vessels but they don't appear to be as pleasing to the eye with the superstructure so far forward.

I know it is entirely subjective but my all time favourites are the Maersk 'B' class such as the Maersk Boston and her sister ships that were laid up on the Clyde during the downturn. For some reason they appear to have had the 'Maersk' prefix removed from their name. They look like smaller versions of the 'E' class ships and are beautifully proportioned when viewed side on. I understand they are also the fastest container ships currently operating and capable of speeds over 30 knots though in this era of slow steaming I doubt they are operating at those speeds.