Naming ceremonies can be tricky affairs and on a chilly, wet morning with the 36,000-cbm GasChem Beluga (built 2016) only visible across the river, things were looking particularly challenging for German shipowner host Hartmann Reederei.
But the unexpected can sometimes bring opportunities and guests at the Teesside dock were determined that nothing was going to dampen their mood.
As the weather closed in, the assembled crowd watched in awe and some wonder as two tugs expertly manoeuvred the unfamiliar-looking vessel onto the berth.
