Eager photographers lined the coast of south Essex yesterday hoping to catch a quality snap of a massive "heavy-lift" ship transporting huge cranes into London. 

The boat, called the Zhen Hua 36, was under the flag of Liberia while it was transporting cranes in the lowered position past the coast of Southend on its way to London Gateway to deliver quay cranes. 

Photographers, eager to catch a look at the boat, which can be between 13,000 and 19,000 tonnes, took pictures from Southend and Canvey as it drifted past.

National Coastwatch Southend monitored the Zhen Hua's progress as it completed its delivery.

A spokesman said: "The heavy lift vessel Zhen Hua 36 has just passed our watch-station en route to berth at London Gateway to deliver quay cranes.

"The cranes will be in the lowered position extending over the ship's side upon delivery.

"Traffic control will be in place while Zhen Hua 36 manoeuvres, it is expected traffic will be held until the ship is clear of the channel.

"The crane unloading process will take approximately six days and, during this process, there will be a 100-metre exclusion zone around Zhen Hua 36 and a speed restriction of eight knots will be in force.

"After unloading the cranes for London Gateway, Zhen Hua 36 will depart with two quay cranes remaining onboard."

The colossal boat, which is currently berthed, dwarfs the surrounding area and it incredibly distinct on the coastline.

Photographers captured the massive vessel with its 4 cranes in the lowered and upright positions along the London gateway. 

A spokesman from the Port of London authority said: "Port of London Authority colleagues helped London Gateway greet the arrival of the next batch of cranes for its berth 4 aboard the Zhen Hua 36.

"The largest quay cranes in Europe, these giants will handle current and future container vessels.

"The crane unloading process will take approximately six days and, during this process, there will be a 100-metre exclusion zone around Zhen Hua 36 and a speed restriction of eight knots will be in force."

The same traffic management measures described above will apply during her outbound voyage.