Marine Industrial Photography: Documenting the Eduard Toll LNG Carrier

As a commercial and industrial photographer in Belfast, my commissions range from capturing intricate components to documenting vessels of staggering scale. Recently, I was tasked with a unique project for Seapeak: photographing their 299-meter Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) carrier, the Eduard Toll.

Seeing a vessel of this magnitude up close is impressive, but documenting it while in dry dock offers a perspective on maritime engineering that few ever get to see.

Ships engineer onboard Eduard Toll liquefied natural gas carrier

The Technical Photography Brief The client’s requirements were technically demanding. The primary objective was to capture "below the waterline" maintenance work, including high-detail imagery of the Azipods—massive, sophisticated propulsion units. Beyond the mechanical aspects, the shoot required a comprehensive visual narrative of life on board, from the command bridge to the complex pipework on deck and the specialists working within the engine room. These assets were destined for a new corporate website and global marketing collateral.

Two Seapeak engineers in Eduard Toll plant room

Challenges of Industrial Ship Photography Photographing a working vessel presents distinct environmental challenges. Ship interiors are designed for function and safety, not aesthetics. In areas like the engine room and enclosed plant spaces, the ambient lighting is often flat and unappealing for high-end commercial imagery.

To create visual impact, I had to bring in portable professional lighting to sculpt the scenes, adding depth and highlighting the textures of the industrial environment.

Logistics and Efficiency in Dry Dock The sheer scale of an LNG carrier makes the logistics of moving equipment exhausting. Every shot requires planning and teamwork to ensure we meet the tight deadlines of a dry dock schedule. These vessels represent significant capital; every day they spend off the water is a day they aren't generating revenue.

Because I have invested heavily in high-performance, mobile lighting and camera gear, I was able to navigate the vessel’s complex layout and deliver the required shots within the client’s window.

Crew of the Eduard Toll walking on deck surrounded by the vessels pipework