File:'SCT Zurich' Outbound from Savannah Harbor (GA) under the Talmadge Bridge Tuesday Morning July 17, 2012 (7721818588).jpg

The SCT Zurich is passing under the Talmadge Memorial Bridge that spans the Savannah River between downtown Savannah and Hutchinson Island.

SCT Zurich details: Ship Type: Container ship Year Built: 2006 Length x Breadth: 294 m X 32 m Gross Tonnage: 54214, DeadWeight: 68135 t Speed recorded (Max / Average): 20.2 / 15.1 knots

Completed in November 1990, the new Talmadge Memorial cable-stayed bridge replaced the old Talmadge cantilever truss bridge (built in 1953), which had become a danger for large ships entering the Port of Savannah, home to the largest single ocean container terminal on the U.S. eastern seaboard, and the nation's fourth-busiest seaport.

The bridge is dedicated to Eugene Talmadge, who served as the Democratic Governor of Georgia in 1933-37 and 1941-43.

The proximity and rivalry between Charleston (SC) and Savannah often lead to comparisons between Charleston's Arthur Ravenel, Jr. Bridge and the Talmadge Memorial Bridge.

Completed fifteen years later, the clearance under the Arthur Ravenel, Jr., Bridge is actually only one foot taller. However, unlike the Talmadge Memorial Bridge, the Ravenel Bridge has eight travel lanes; the Talmage has just four. The Ravenel also features a dedicated bike/ pedestrian lane.

Image by Ron Cogswell using a Nikon D80 with minor Photoshop effects.