Stumbled across this thing tied up at North Shields yesterday.
The "cargo" apparently weighs 20,000 tons. I haven't a clue as to her origins, but if I attempt a short description maybe someone out there will recognize her, or its type.
The bow appears to be of the "Maierform" (spelling?) type / icebreaker. Not seen in the pic is a large projecting "spike" near the keel, ice cutter? She is (or was) fitted with 2 very large dia. bow thrust units hidden behind "doors" (similar to the one fitted to RFA "Olna"). The hull form is much rounder than you normally see. The stern area seems to be well protected...again, from ice damage?. Large stern anchors are catered for, and the hull has at least 1 massive up-and-over side door on the starboard quarter. This appears to feed into an area below a double hangered flight deck. What appears at first sight to be an offset funnel turns out to incorporate a bridge reminiscent of some Russian submarines. The foredeck seems to be clear of obstructions, all pointing towards some sort of aviation ship. But she does look very "odd"!