Sorry to pick up on these comments a bit late. Yes, Bob is correct that it's the 'RUDI M' behind. She had a serious fire there and a firefighter sadly was killed. Can't remember if this was taken before or after.
Best Regards
John

Looks like lpg tanker RUDI-M (ex-TEVIOT) before conversion to waste disposal vessel. IMO 6602812. For more details see http://www.shipspotting.com/gallery/photo.php?lid=2542289

What's the red vessel behind, John?

A point of interest. I have the whistle and buildersplate of this vessel in my collection, so at least some of her survives.

Great stuff John, wonderful old tug.
Regents Canal dock I passed many times on the train from Fenchurch Street, but I never actually visited the dock. So a great memory thanks for posting
regards
Derek

Immen,
once again thanks for such a wealth of detailed information... it is much appreciated :pint:

Ex:1946 EMPIRE TESSA, 1947 EMINENT, 1976 GOLIATH
Type: UK Empire tug, Improved Stella-class
Registered: LR47-48:06996 /IMO 7630921 /(GBR)ON 169475
302 GRT,
Loa:37,60m(35,06), B:8,84m, D:3,899m(4,12) (123.4'(116.1')x27.6'x12.8')
Machinery: 1 scr, T3cyl by shipbuilder, oil fired, 154nhp-800ihp

EMPIRE TESSA
1946 -03/06: Launched by "W. Simons & Co Ltd" at Renfrew (GBR) (YN 778)
1946 -21/06: completed for the UK MOT, handed over to " Pedder & Mylchreest Ltd" at London (GBR) for onward delivery(GBR flag, regd Glasgow, ON 169475, c/s GMZZ)
1946: mng "Dunlop & Lawrie" at Glasgow (GBR)
1947: handed over to " Pedder & Mylchreest Ltd" at London (GBR) for onward delivery to Bermuda
1947 -xx/03: transferred to the Admiralty
1947 -29/08: renamed EMINENT
1951 -18/01: seriously damaged by fire in Bermuda (destruction of officers' quarters excepting masters' cabin, and severe damage to crews' quarters and wheelhouse), towed to England for repairs
1975 -07/07: Sold to "ITL - International Towing Ltd" at London (GBR) for £12,114, mng M. List-Brain (GBR flag, regd London, ON 169475, 296 GRT, 0 NRT)
1976: renamed GOLIATH
1983: Sold in running order to Maryport Maritime Museum, Cumbria (GBR)
1986: To "Duddon Shipbreakers Ltd" at Millom (GBR)
1986 -26/02: Arrived in tow at Millom (GBR) for demolition
http://www.tugtalk.co.uk/images/2004/11/56596.jpg

Rgds/Immen